Breakfast links: Keep us safe

Police brutally tase pedicab driver

A Park Police officer tased a pedicab driver, then shot him again while he was writhing on the ground. (WAMU)

More crime on the MBT

A man robbed a pedestrian at gunpoint on the Metropolitan Branch Trail Friday morning and another robbery occurred on July 9th. These incidents occurred after the Guardian Angels and MPD increased safety patrols on the trail 2 weeks ago. (DCist, Post)

Should trains carry chemicals through urban centers?

A train carrying hazardous materials derailed and caught fire in a downtown Baltimore tunnel in 2001. 10 years later, trains are still carrying chemicals through the city (and DC). (Baltimore Sun)

More tweeting @metroopensdoors

WMATA is expanding its social media communication with a new social media manager and 2 people in the bus operations center to notify riders about delays. (Post)

Homeless to build homeless housing

Mayor Gray is launching a program called “Sweat Equity” which will train homeless and formerly homeless residents on welfare in home construction. The group will then help to rehabilitate vacant properties to become housing for the homeless. (WAMU)

Might TIGER support TOD?

The Transportation Planning Board hopes to apply for a TIGER grant to support TOD around underutilized transit stations. The money would cover bike and pedestrian connections. (Examiner)

No enforcement leads to parking anarchy

Elimination of parking control officers has led to a “Lord of the Flies” state of anarchy in the Welsh town of Aberystwyth. Drivers are ignoring specialty parking spaces and delivery drivers are threatening to boycott the town. (Telegraph, Michael Perkins)  (Tip: Michael Perkins)

And…

A tour bus from DC crashed in upstate New York and killed two people. (Post) … A gas station that burned in Georgetown is still vacant. (Patch) … 3 Kimpton hotels will provide free CaBi memberships and helmets to guests. (DDOT)