Breakfast links: Welcome back

Purple Line may impact endangered species

The Purple Line environmental impact statement didn’t mention the Hay’s Spring amphipod, a shrimp-like creature solely in the Rock Creek watershed, which could be grounds for a lawsuit. (Post)

Food trucks receive lotteried spots

Starting today, food trucks in the District will receive assigned parking spots through a lottery system. Trucks not participating in the lottery for spots at the prized locations will have to park at least 200 feet away. (WTOP, DCist)

Fatal derailment in New York

A fatal train derailment killed 4 people and injured more than 60 on New York’s Metro-North Railroad on Sunday. The derailment occurred on a sharp bend in the tracks where a freight train derailed this summer. (NPR)

Bike trains help novices

In LA, groups of bicycle commuters form bike trains. Following established routes and led by a seasoned conductor, the pelotons provide some safety in numbers for novices.(NPR, LA Bike Trains)

Finer street grids improve walkability

An analysis of different street grids across the United States finds that finer grids increase the amount of street frontage within a given distance, though at the cost of more pavement. (Strong Towns)

Germany plans deep emissions cuts

Germany’s Federal Environmental Agency released a plan for reducing CO2 emissions by 95%. Combining uses to avoid trips and switching to more sustainable transport modes are two proposed strategies. (Next City)

Kolkata cyclists protest ban

Cyclists in Kolkata have been protesting the city’s recent ban on cycling throughout the city. While other Indian cities prioritize cycling, local police cite limited road space in support of the ban. (Next City)

And…

A late-night fight on Metro ends with a gunshot through the window. (Post) … New data shows ICC toll revenue is 25% to 80% below projections. (Post) … Congress will hold a hearing on the District’s Height Act today. (WAMU)