Breakfast links: The future

They’re (self) driven

Mary Cheh And Tommy Wells took a ride in Google’s self-driving car. The trip went off without a hitch, adding to the 250,000 miles of crash-free driving for they system. But it can’t handle, for instance, directions from a traffic control officer. (DCist)

Did you bike?

Today is Bike to Work Day. … Express summarized the bike boom spurred by CaBi and separated lanes; CaBi has had its 2 millionth ride.

Told you so

Metro riders warned technicians that doors were opening while a train was moving, but Metro thought it was isolated to a single car and kept the train in service until doors opened in a second car. Still no word on the cause. (Examiner)

Bike messengers are the boss

“Freedom” is the watchword of DC’s small bike messenger community, which occupies a shrinking niche of the District’s document delivery system. A short documentary profiles their gritty culture. (TBD)

Higher vs. better

Amidst the debate about DC’s height limit, it’s easy to forget that some of the classiest, most cherished neighborhoods have relatively moderate density. The argument is that walkability, not skyscrapers, makes a place great. (Atlantic Cities)

Hatch’s unintended acts

DC wants out from under the Hatch Act, and it’s not just a matter of sovereignty. Under current provisions, District employees, including the Attorney General, cannot run for office without first resigning. (Washington Times)

The warriors may serve

Sikhs may now wear turbans and beards on the job as police officers in MPD. It is the first police department in the US to allow adherents of the faith to do so. (AP via WSJ)

And…

A Prince William mixed-use proposal failed to draw a single bid, so it’s back to the drawing board. (WBJ) … Frequent biking can lead to problems “down there” for men and women, depending on handlebar configuration. (Medical Daily, Xavier) … The GOP may be willing to part with the Keystone Pipeline in the transportation bill. (The Hill)