Breakfast links: Unsafe

Safe to break your promises-way

When the 5¢ bag fee was going into effect, most grocery chains provided free or discounted bags. Safeway promised to donate 10,000 bags to the poor through local nonprofits, but still hasn’t come through. (DCist, Gavin)  (Tip: Gavin)

Distracted drivers still safe from consequences in Md

WTOP summarizes Maryland’s new cell phone rules. They’re pretty toothless; you can still be distracted long enough to turn your phone on or off or answer or end a call, and police can’t pull someone over even if they see them holding a cell phone. (WTOP)

Pedicab rules

DDOT has proposed regulations for pedicabs, including seat belts, headlights and taillights, reflectors, and hydraulic brakes. The details are in the DC Register. (WBJ)

Ice cream, not drugs

Some Capitol Hill residents love the local ice cream truck, others hate the noise, and some constantly suspect him of selling drugs. He’s not. (City Paper)

NYC v. cyclists

The NYPD officer who got caught on video knocking a cyclist down in 2008 tells his side of the story (NYT) … Without warning, NYPD cut numerous bikes off their locks for President Obama’s visit for Earth Day. (this is fyf via WashCycle)

Recharge while you hang on

One designer devised a system for generating power from people holding overhead handles on buses and trains. It would only be enough to recharge an iPod here and there, though, not actually drive the bus. (Gizmodo)