Breakfast links: The way you get to work

Thousands bike to work

Over 8,000 people registered for Bike to Work Day last week, and many more biked to work on their own. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and many local leaders attended nearby events. Metblogs has some pictures and highlights.

Bike here

The Golden Triangle BID unveiled a new “Bike Here” bike rack at the Dupont Circle south Metro entrance. The Swiss also donated some Switzerland-themed bike racks to DC for Bike to Work Day. (ReadySetDC, WashCycle)

Reshaping Portland

Portland, Maine demolished many buildings to create a big expressway right through historic neighborhoods in the 1960s. Now, they’re reexamining that disastrous choice and trying to restore life to the area. (Portland Press Herald)

Next they’ll give them away for free

Congress is considering yet another tax break for buying cars. At least this time it’s for energy-efficient ones. However, the bill gives no credit for the most energy efficient choice of all, not driving one. FiveThirtyEight also recommends a gas tax hike to pay for the program, which would be a good step.

Off the MARC

Maryland was already underinvesting in MARC. Now, its improvements and other transit projects are on the back burner thanks to Maryland’s bankrupt transportation fund and previous funding decisions. (Gazette)

Red Line convert

Evan of Friends of White Flint explains his evolution from driving everywhere to relying primarily on Metro to commute between DC and stations along Rockville Pike. His commute is now more enjoyable. (FLOG)

Leesburg ready for bikes and pedestrians

Leesburg officials now realize that gridlock like Fairfax’s is in their future. They are looking for ideas to make it easier for people to drive less or not drive at all, including policies that facilitate bicycling and walking. (Post, Chris R)  (Tip: Chris R)

Debating walkability

For those of you who missed the articles discussed in last week’s open thread: Various experts debate car-free living in the Times. Witold Rybczynski thinks only five cities are dense enough for mass transit, but DC isn’t among them. Christopher Leinberger explains that cars are just expensive for society and individuals. Meanwhile, Volokh asks if government planning is the way to make places more walkable. (Dale, Jaime, Steve)  (Tip: jaime)