Complete Streets bill passes Missouri House

Last night the "Complete Streets" bill supported by the Missouri Bicycle Federation and sponsored by bicycling Representative Mike Sutherland passed the Missouri House of Representatives.

The bill requires that the "department of transportation's plans, programs, and projects shall provide full consideration for the safety and contiguous routes for bicyclists, pedestrians, disabled persons, and transit users of all ages and abilities".

The bill also requires that "The department shall establish planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operations standards for appropriate accommodations for bicyclists, pedestrians, disabled persons, and transit users. The department shall establish appropriate training programs for staff to implement these standards."

A section that required MoDOT to actually construct bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in projects (subject to certain exceptions) was removed when MoDOT objected.

So the bill is not as strong as originally proposed but will still be a positive step forward for Missouri.

It would be very appropriate to email Representative Sutherland and let him know that you support the bill and you appreciate his work on it. Email is Mike.Sutherland[at]house.mo.gov

A Complete Streets bill is among the highest priorities on MoBikeFed's legislative platform for 2008.

Complete Bill Text as passed by the House.


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