Breakfast links: Inadequate public policies

Cash for new clunkers

As many suspected, the “cash for clunkers” bill mostly just generated a lot of new clunkers. The most popular exchange under the program was trading in a Ford F-150 for a new F-150, which was just 1-3 mpg less terrible than the old model. Thanks so much, Barbara Mikulski! (The Washington Independent via Streetsblog Capitol Hill)

Carpooling recently illegal in Ontario

Virginia HOT lanes might penalize taxpayers if people carpool, but at least it’s not illegal. Reader Chris noted that until recently, it was illegal to arrange carpools online in Ontario, Canada.

Inadequate for Elrich

Marc Elrich tries to defend Montgomery’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, the law that forbids development in denser areas because traffic speeds are more important than walkability. On Tuesday, The Council postponed a decision on whether to change the standard. Elrich also subtly attacks the White Flint plan as not caring about “the impact on thousands of people who use Rockville Pike.” What about the thousands who use Metro there or the thousands who would use it under a more urban design? (Gazette)

Walking is transportation, even in Houston

The Houston Chronicle disagrees with the Harris County Commissioner who said sidewalks aren’t important because they don’t “get cars from point A to point B.” The paper’s editorial board writes, “Walking is transportation.”

Wheelchair users will get taxis

A new pilot will bring 20 wheelchair-accessible taxis to DC starting in December. One potential side benefit of wheelchair taxis is that if they’re cheaper to run than MetroAccess trips, localities could pay for rides on those instead of forcing people to use MetroAccess. (Examiner)

Performance parking is good for residents

Georgetown resident Cristina Ortiz wrote a letter to the Current against the rumored performance parking pilot under discussion by neighborhood leaders. (Here’s the PDF of the paper; I can’t open it at all, but maybe you’ll have more luck). Georgetown Metropolitan replies with a little Q&A.

One burglar down

Dupont Circle had a wave of rooftop burglaries this summer. MPD finally was able to report that they’ve caught the guy. Apparently he took them around the neighborhood confessing to all his break-ins.  (Bright Sparkly Jewels)