With Missouri's Complete Streets Bill coming down to the wire in the Missouri General Assembly (don't forget to sign the petition in support!) it is helpful to look at the huge range of national organizations that have come down strongly in support of Complete Streets:
"Rates of childhood obesity have tripled in recent years, and mayors clearly understand that this is due in large part to the lack of a pedestrian infrastructure. In opening streets to multiple modes of transportation, we are enabling a more active lifestyle by providing the option to get out of cars. America’s mayors strongly endorse transportation policies that integrate transportation, energy, environmental and public health." –Mayor Manuel A. (Manny) Diaz, President, US Conference of Mayors, Miami
"As Americans age, it will be critical to have mobility alternatives in order for older Americans to get where they need to go and stay engaged in their communities. Absent better transportation and pedestrian safety infrastructure policies and investments, we run the risk of having a whole generation of older adults 'stranded in the suburbs.' Complete Streets policies are essential to creating communities where all Americans can live while maintaining an active and independent lifestyle." –Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President, Social Impact
"A majority of trips in urban areas are distances short enough to walk and bicycle. A federal Complete Streets law will ensure that our federal transportation investments provide for these low?cost, low?emission modes." –Caron Whitaker, Executive Director, America Bikes
"This legislation will support good planning that makes our transportation system safe and accessible for all users. The planning and construction of complete streets will not only provide citizens with more and better transportation choices that are safe and convenient but also lead to communities that are more vibrant, competitive and sustainable." –Paul Farmer, American Planning Association Executive Director and CEO
"We know that Complete Streets help people get daily physical activity and lead to cleaner, safer air ?? essential ingredients for health. This bill will ensure that federaltransportation investments help fight obesity, reduce asthma rates and mitigate the negative health effects of climate change." –Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director, American PublicHealth Association
"Senator Harkin and Congresswoman Matsui understand that unless we change how we build our roads, we will face an endless cycle of rising transportation costs, increased congestion, and more pedestrian and cycling accidents. In today's economy, every community wants more safe transportation options that are less expensive and our state transportation departments must adjust accordingly." –Michael Replogle, Transportation Director, Environmental Defense Fund
"The National Association of Realtors is pleased to support the Complete Streets Act of 2009. We believe that this legislation, once enacted, will help to improve communities by assuring that all citizens have access to whatever means of transportation best meets their needs." –Charles McMillan, President, National Association of Realtors®
"Throughout millennia of history, streets have belonged to everyone ? it is only in recent decades that we have made them unsafe and inconvenient for anyone not in a car, and frequently inconvenient even for those who are. This bill would begin to bring some balance back to this critical part of our communities and help streets function for people again." –Kaid Benfield, Smart Growth Director, National Resources Defense Council
"The existing Safe Routes to School program is only a fraction of what is needed to build sidewalks, pathways, crosswalks, and other safety improvements around schools, so Complete Streets policies are critical to creating a safe and healthful environment for children." –Deborah Hubsmith, Director, Safe Routes to School National Partnership
