Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 moves forward
The bipartisan Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 is a positive step toward ensuring the safety and convenience of America’s streets — for everyone. Check this update from the National Complete Streets Coalition:
A dozen members of the Senate today introduced the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011, S. 1056, designed to create safer streets with every project built. Led by Senator Tom Harkin (IA), the measure would direct states and regions to adopt policies to provide for the needs of all users of the transportation system, including people of all ages and abilities who are walking, bicycling, and taking the bus.
The introduction comes in the wake of the release of a new safety report, Dangerous by Design 2011, which finds that 67 percent of all pedestrian fatalities in the last ten years took place on federal-aid roads. Children, older adults, and minorities are especially at risk.
“In many places across the country, there is a complete lack of sidewalks and bike lanes. This not only makes our roadways more dangerous for pedestrians, it discourages people from being more active by walking or riding a bike,” said Senator Tom Harkin. “The legislation I am introducing today aims to address this issue by making streets safer for everyone and promoting healthier living. It is truly a double win for our communities.”
“Senator Harkin and the other sponsors of this measure recognize that we must do more than fix hazards after-the-fact,” said Barbara McCann, Coalition Executive Director. “Complete Streets policies at the state and local level are already proving that routinely providing for the needs of everyone using the roadway results in dramatic safety improvements. Our Coalition thanks Senator Harkin and all the co-sponsors for working to ensure that federal investments create safe streets for everyone.”
Twenty-five states and more than 200 local jurisdictions have adopted Complete Streets policies, as detailed in the recently released report, Complete Streets Policy Analysis 2010. State and local officials support Complete Streets because in addition to improving safety, this approach helps them create economically vibrant communities that can reduce dependence on foreign oil. A similar bill was introduced in the House last month by Reps. Matsui (D-CA) and LaTourette (R-OH). Senate co-sponsors include Senators Carper (DE), Cardin (MD), Begich (AK), Leahy (VT), Levin (MI), Whitehouse (RI), Sanders (VT), Franken (MN), Merkley (OR), Klobuchar (MN), and Lautenberg (NJ).
The diverse members of the National Complete Streets Coalition are expressing their support for the measure; see their statements here (.pdf).
The National Complete Streets Coalition brings together public interest groups such as AARP, the American Public Transportation Association, and America Bikes, as well as practitioner organizations such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. Together, we are working for the adoption and effective implementation of Complete Streets policies at the local, state, and federal level.
