Photo courtesy of the Department of Transportation

Nearly two million packages on average are delivered in New York City each day, causing vans and trucks to clog already congested streets. Looking to address delivery-related traffic, as well as cut vehicle emissions, the city announced on Wednesday a pilot program that would encourage companies to use cargo bikes instead of trucks to deliver parcels in Manhattan below 60th Street.

Find out more

• Downtown Manhattan’s Mini Beach: The wifi rigged beach in Downtown Manhattan is here and Bedford and Bowery is already posting from it.
• Send Texts Without Service: Engadget gives us the scoop on a new device that will keep you from being stranded without cell service.
• Stylish Lemonade Stands: This one’s for the kiddies. It’s a hot summer day and your kids want to get their entrepreneurial skills on. Well, if they’re gonna charge insane amounts for 4 ounces of lemonade, they may as well look good doing it. Apartment Therapy has some great ideas for your kids to dress up their storefront.
• Brooklyn Whole Foods Jumps on the Cargo Bike Bandwagon: According to Treehugger it’s no longer just families who are embracing the car-free transportation. The Whole Foods store plans to start using the bikes for deliveries.
• 2nd Ave Subway Line: Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It: Citylab discusses why the elusive and cost intensive line is worth the effort.

Images: Daniel Maurer at Downtown Manhattan’s Mini Beach (left), 2nd Ave Subway Line Construction (right)