Breakfast links: What we learned about bicycling
Milloy rides
GGW contributor and Black Women Bike founder Veronica Davis took Courtland Milloy on a bike ride. He brought a friend, who agreed with the pro-bike lane side of the debate, and thinks there need to be better signs. (DCist)
“We don’t ticket our own”
A DDOT van parked in the L Street bike lane. When a resident reported it to 311, the request was closed as “no violations.” Why? The government says, “We don’t ticket our own.” (Post, Andrew D) (Tip: Andrew D.)
Transformation and affordability
As DC continues booming, reporters, filmmakers, and others reflect on the city’s transformation. Some worry that the change has squeezed out spontaneity and affordability. Or is there still plenty of affordable housing, just in less-trendy areas? (BBC, CHotR)
Inner Harbor 3.0
Baltimore’s plan to update the Inner Harbor would widen some of the raceway-like streets around it. A planner offers another solution that would human-size the streets. And best of all, it could be tried immediately. (Batlimore Brew, Fern S) (Tip: Fern S)
One step closer to ridesharing
Uber and Lyft have launched new services that allow multiple riders to share one car, potentially reducing congestion. But this still not true ridesharing: there’s still a paid driver, making them shared taxis. (Streetsblog)
Designing for mental health
City planners and engineers have long ago learned to plan cities to prevent diseases such as cholera. But can we build cities to prevent stress and loneliness? The evidence is inconclusive. (Urbanist.co)
Vancouver’s baby boom
Unlike most North American cities, Vancouver has retained residents with children by requiring developers to offer dedicated family housing units and build community centers and parks. What else can cities do? (CityLab)
DIY toll road
After a landslide in England caused a 10-mile detour, a local entrepreneur rented a field and built his own road, providing a 340-yard shortcut. (Daily Mail)
And…
Despite obstacles, streetcar operators continue their training on H Street NE. (Post) … WABA asked local jurisdictions to adopt modern bike lane design standards. … If you see a good place for a lane in Fairfax County, you can request it. (FABB)