National Complete Streets Bill introduced in the Senate
A Complete Streets Bill was recently introduced in the Senate. This bill, which we have been working towards for many years, will be one focus area for our visits to Congress during the upcoming National Bike Summit.
Streetsblog summarizes the bill:
A bill creating incentives for transportation agencies to design safe streets for everyone — pedestrians and cyclists in addition to motorists — is back on the floor of Congress this week. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) are sponsoring the Safe Streets Act of 2014, which would require all states to develop complete streets policies for federally funded roads within two years. A companion piece of legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives last year.
The League of American Bicyclists is asking us to contact our Senators in support of the Safe Streets Act--click here to take action.
The press release by Senators Schatz and Begich has more details about the proposal and why it is needed:
The Safe Streets Act will change the approach to the way federally funded roads are planned, designed, and built, ensuring new roads follow Complete Street policies, safely accommodating travelers of all ages and abilities, including drivers, transit passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Complete Street policies make sure that sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe transit access are taken into consideration as roadway plans are developed. Schatz and Begich's Safe Streets legislation will increase safe travel options, like walking and biking, and help save lives.
“Too many people are killed or injured each year because our streets are simply not designed and built with the safety of everyone -- including pedestrians and bicyclists -- in mind. Our communities deserve safer streets,” Senator Schatz said. “Many of our roads in Hawai‘i and across America make travel difficult for seniors, families, youth, and others who are unable or choose not to drive. Our legislation provides commonsense solutions to consider the needs of our seniors and children, encourage alternative forms of transportation, and make our roads and communities safer for everyone.”“I’ve been a proud supporter of Safe Streets policies since I was mayor and continue to support them here in the Senate,” said Senator Begich.“These policies lead to safer roads, less traffic congestion, higher property values, and healthier families. That’s why I’m pleased to introduce this common-sense bill to strengthen our transportation infrastructure and enhance the quality of life in our local communities.”
Over the last decade 47,000 pedestrians have died along our nation’s highways. Two thirds of pedestrian deaths have occurred on federally funded roads. These roadways often lack complete street features like sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes, limiting access and creating a dangerous environment for travelers. The Safe Streets Act will require all states and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to adopt complete street policies for federally funded projects within two years, and consider the safety of all users when designing new roads or improving existing roads. In addition, the Secretary of Transportation will provide resources to transportation agencies across the country with best practices for implementing complete streets principles for those states and MPOs.
Working for Complete Streets policies at the local, state, and national level is one of the goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri. You can find out more about Complete Streets in Missouri, including how to work towards a Complete Streets policy in your community, on our Missouri Complete Streets page. Your membership and support helps make our Vision for Complete Streets in Missouri a reality!
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