Breakfast links: Green and urban

Bulb-out in a box

San Francisco is installing trial bulb-outs, 7’x40’ durable wood platforms with bike racks, planter boxes, tables and chairs. If successful, they can build permanent bulb-outs, but this lets them try it out at low cost. (Streetsblog SF, Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)

Work for CSG

The Coalition for Smarter Growth wants to hire someone to manage online communications, the website, and social media, and work on volunteer programs and the walking tours and forums.

Current debates

There are a few interesting articles in last week’s Current. First, load the huge PDF. …

(On page 1) Foxhall neighbors are opposing the extent of GW’s planned Mount Vernon Campus expansion, saying it’s “urbanizing a piece of my neighborhood.”

(On page 1) A Brightwood church wants to expand onto its empty land and DC’s preservation office okayed plans, but the National Park Service is now opposing the plan because it could block the view from Fort Stevens.

(On page 6) NPS is planning to rehabilitate McPherson Square, and the Logan Circle ANC would like benches with middle arms to prevent people from sleeping on them. However, NPS says CFA, NCPC, and preservation groups don’t let them use anything but the design they’ve used since 1934.  (Tip: Michael P)

Compartir las bicicletas

There’s a new largest North American bike sharing program: Mexico City’s Ecobici, with 1,110 bikes in 82 stations. It’s managed by Clear Channel, which runs DC’s current SmartBike system but which DC is rumored to be dropping. (The Bike-Sharing Blog)

Cell phone bans best in cities?

Researchers are still trying to gauge the effectiveness of cell phone bans on driving. One new study suggests that they work best in urban areas, but the article notes that everything is still inconclusive. (Ars Technica, Cavan)  (Tip: Cavan)