Breakfast links: NPS is naughty and nice

Plan improves Rock Creek trails

An NPS proposal would widen the Rock Creek trail in most areas (though not all) to 10 feet, and add a pedestrian bridge to a narrow section. (TheWashCycle)

Norton wants peace between pedicabs & NPS

After a pedicab operator was arrested for allegedly assaulting a Park Police officer, Del. Norton called for NPS to meet with pedicab drivers.  She notes that most citations against the operators have been thrown out.  (DCist)

DC buys 2 more streetcars

DC has agreed to buy two streetcars from the Portland firm United Streetcar LLC for $8.7 million. The firm beat out Inekon, who made the city’s first 3. (WBJ) … Why are they so expensive? And who’s this company? (City Paper, Forbes)  (Tip: Steven Yates)

MD, VA forgo millions in gas tax

By not pegging the gas tax to inflation, Maryland and Virginia have lost out on hundreds of millions of dollars each since each state last raised its gas tax. (Washington Times)

Big box development coming to NE DC

Costco will anchor a 42-acre big-box development in Northaest DC near New York Ave — with $17 million in tax increment financing subsidies from the District. As you might expect, the development will be car-dependent, with 2,500 parking spots. (DCist, Gavin)  (Tip: Gavin)

NTSB calls for cellphone ban

The National Transportation Safety Board recommended a complete ban on cellphone use while driving, including hands-free devices. They know it’d be unpopular, but say it’s needed for safety. (NY Times, Ben Ross)  (Tip: Ben Ross)

Food trucks activate vacant storefronts

A new program lets food trucks set up at a vacant brick and mortar location for a week. The location this week is in Georgetown, but organizers are looking toward other neighborhoods as well.  (WAMU)

Build down instead of up?

In a new urban planning effort to “eat every part of the animal,” planners are considering the idea of retrofitting old, unused underground spaces for parks and recreation, including the Dupont tunnels. (Salon, Brian C.)  (Tip: Brian C.)

Pedestrian bridges fail in India

Mumbai and other Indian cities find most pedestrians won’t use “skywalks,” but that doesn’t stop them getting built, including one that is the equivalent of walking up a 6-story building. (The Hindu, Ben Ross)  (Tip: Ben Ross)