Breakfast links: Freedom

Car for the blind?

Virginia Tech researchers are building a car blind people can drive, which has sensors that transmit data on surrounding objects to the driver tactilely. It seems tough — can it show you a pedestrian who looks like they might step off the curb? — but would be neat if it really can work. (WTOP)

Banned for life for following the law

Miami Metro security officers accosted and then banned “for life” two photographers trying to take pictures. They had a printout of an email from Miami-Dade Transit assuring them photography was legal on the Metro. (Photography Is Not a Crime, Matt’)  (Tip: Matt')

News flash: Near SE still in recession like everywhere else

It’s another “why isn’t Near Southeast developed yet?” article. There’s really nothing else to say about this. It’s a big recession. We get it. It’ll develop later. (Bob McCartney/Post)

Jail time needed for cycle assault?

Following an extremely light sentence for two drivers who intentionally hit two cyclists, Chicago advocates are pushing prosecutors to push harder for jail time. (Adam Voiland/DC Bicycle Transportation Examiner)

Scratch one circular driveway

DDOT is demanding removal of a controversial circular driveway in Cleveland Park. Neighbors opposed it, but it was approved because a disabled elderly woman lived there. She recently died, so DDOT asked the property owner to remove the driveway, per the law. Mark Segraves faults DDOT for misspelling the deceased woman’s first name.

Why free weekend parking on Metro?

Dr. Gridlock explains why it makes sense for Metro to keep weekend parking free: the lots don’t fill up, there’s less traffic, and meters are free Sundays. The same logic would support lower weekend fares as well. (Post)

Need bike racks at the pool

Today’s Daily Gripe involves a lack of bike racks at Francis Pool. DPR says bike racks “are not a mandatory feature at DC pools,” and they don’t have budget right now for the racks, but are certainly open to it. (Post)

Traffic bad, so…

Some international cities have really, really bad traffic. It’s a big problem. How about some transit? (Kristi King/WTOP)