Breakfast links: The future of roads

Highways and climate change

Possible new regulations could factor in carbon dioxide emissions in environmental impact studies (they’re not now!) The change could force judging highways on their impact on climate change.  (Streetsblog)

Squeeze in bike lanes

Some cities claim there is not enough room for bike facilities, but simply narrowing lanes could open up more than enough room for a bike lane. (Copenhagenize)

DC gets credit upgrade

Budget surpluses and increased reserves led S&P to upgrade DC’s credit rating. But there likely won’t be much savings from the upgrade. (Post)

Ban the moratorium

ANC 1B’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee voted to reject the proposed U Street liquor license moratorium. Some members cited overwhelming community opposition to the ban as their reason for voting against it. (Borderstan)

Bag fee jitters

Roger Berliner says he’s gotten a lot of complaints about the Montgomery County bag fee, and Craig Rice thinks people more often racially profile black shoppers who don’t have disposable store bags. (Examiner)

Creative class writing

Joel Kotkin argues against and Richard Florida argues for focusing on the creative class to help rejuvenate city economies. (Daily Beast)

Bracket time

Did you have New Mexico going all the way?  Then try these brackets on urbanism tools or the worst parking craters in America. (Atlantic Cities, Streetsblog)

And…

DC cabs will likely get new, uniform roof lights along with credit card readers. (Post) … Some H Street and Benning Road bus stops will get security cameras. (DCist) … The Washington Post endorses Patrick Mara for DC Council.