Sharrows are now officially acceptable. Photo by Eric Gilliland.

Bus changes

A slew of Metrobus changes, mostly minor, take effect December 27th. DC’s include a rejiggering of the D bus lines; Maryland’s involve splitting the Q2 into two overlapping services midday; and Virginia’s are mostly schedule tweaks.  

Bikes exist, say national standards

The latest update to the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the roadway standards book that lacks bicycle facility standards, added a few: bike-related signs and sharrows. How about bike boulevards and protected lanes next year? (Cyclelicious via WashCycle)  

On streetcars

DDOT is planning a public event early next year to show off the streetcars, which just arrived in Greenbelt. (DCist) The Committee of 100 is hoping you don’t get too excited, because they’ve passed a resolution opposing overhead wires similar to CHRS’s, and are looking to enlist other groups as signatories.  

SmartBenefits postponement official

The IRS has officially issued its ruling allowing transit agencies another year to implement changes separating parking and transit pretax benefits.  

Toll vote today

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) is expected to approve the proposed ICC toll rates, which triggered sticker shock when first announced. Katherine Shaver’s balanced and non-hysterical article notes that they may have little choice given the mandate to pay back much (but far from all) of the road’s cost through tolls. (Post) … Community Research, the Audubon Naturalist Society, and CSG say MdTA hasn’t responded to FOIA requests asking exactly how much of the road’s cost the tolls would pay back.  

Get a boost from a bike wheel

Researchers at MIT are designing bicycle wheels that capture the energy lost when braking and can give a boost when needed. But the head of a different MIT lab says the amount of energy is small while the hardware adds weight and cost and can break down. (NYT, Froggie)  (Tip: Froggie)  

Springfield Mall still moving

Despite some funding challenges, Vornado Realty Trust is still forging ahead on plans to redevelop the Springfield Mall into a transit-oriented, mixed-use “town center” type development combining office, residential, and retail. (Connection)