Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the Library’s Headlines blog, which you can also access via email subscription or RSS feed.

Photo by Cyclotourist via Flickr

Are we bike friendly? This ranking says, ‘Not so much’ (League of American Bicyclists)

Bike Month is here with Bike Week L.A. coming up fast, May 13-19, and Bike to Work Day May 16. That’s the day bicyclists ride free on Metro. With all that going on locally it seems a little weird that the League of American Bicyclists has released its annual ranking of bike-friendly states and that California is ranked number 19. Washington tops the list, of course. But at least locally, it seems like we’re making terrific efforts to encourage bike riding and to help keep bicyclists safe. Anyway, check out the list and see if you’re not inspired with the progress our nation is making re-embracing a form of transit that has absolutely no down side.

Boston Transit takes steps to boost safety and security (Boston Globe)

MBTA is taking steps to beef up its security systems. They’re not the only ones. Transit agencies across the country are on heightened alert but it’s vitally important that L.A. riders keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it by calling (888) 950-SAFE (7233).

HSR defends bidding criteria (Los Angeles Times)

The California High-Speed Rail authority defends its bidding criteria against critics who say recent changes could jeopardize project quality.

When death rode the American rails (The Atlantic: Cities)

Who knew? In certain parts of the country, including the Los Angeles area, dedicated funeral cars were added to the streetcar systems. The only one that survives relatively intact is the Descanso (Spanish for “rest”), currently on display at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, California.

Colorado Boulevard in Arcadia closed for three more weeks (Pasadena Star-News)

So that bridge work can continue on the Gold Line Foothill Extension. Avoid the area, as they say.