[Healthycommunitycoalition] complete streets milestones

[Barbara McCann]

Healthy communities coalition; 

 

I wanted to be sure everyone knew we're reaching new milestones with federal
complete streets legislation.  Rep. Matsui chose to emphasize the
economic/environmental benefits, but as we know, complete streets are
essential to active living, and that has been central to the support we're
getting on the Senate side especially.  Please feel free to use any of this
material or to create a more health-oriented blurb for your list-serves.
There is more information available on the complete streets website.

 

And thanks to those of you who have signed on as supporters.

 

Thanks much,

 

Barbara McCann

  

 

                                                          

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              For more
Information:           

5/1/2008
Barbara McCann

 
202-234-2745

 

Rep. Matsui Introduces Complete Streets Bill in US House;

Sen. Coleman signs on in Senate

 

Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA), took an important step for safer, better
designed streets today by introducing the Safe and Complete Streets Act of
2008 into the US House. The bill would make sure that roads built and
improved with federal funds safely serve everyone using the roadway -
including pedestrians, people on bicycles or those catching the bus, as well
as those with disabilities.  

 

"Once again, gas prices have hit record highs this week.  As American
families continue to feel the pain at the pump due to the skyrocketing costs
of gasoline, they are driving less and less," said Rep. Matsui.  "By
diversifying our roadways, we can provide real alternatives to travel by
car." 

 

Meanwhile, Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) signed on this week as first
Republican co-sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, S2686, the Complete
Streets Act of 2008, introduced a few weeks ago by Senators Tom Harkin
(D-IA) and Thomas Carper (D-DE). This is the first time that comprehensive
complete streets bills have been introduced in the House and Senate.

 

"We commend Rep. Matsui and Senators Coleman, Harkin, and Carper for
recognizing the importance of making the best investment possible with our
federal transportation dollars," said Barbara McCann, Coordinator of the
National Complete Streets Coalition.  "States and cities across the country
have discovered that completing their streets for all users means safer
communities that invite healthy walking, bicycling, and taking transit - and
that can help people cope with the rising price of gasoline."

 

Across the country, many transportation agencies have continued to design
many roads primarily for drivers - discouraging bicycling and leaving those
on foot tramping through a track worn in the grass.  Yet men and women
outlive their driving years by six and ten years respectively and prefer to
walk rather than be stuck at home. Transit users often face dangerous
crossings and uncomfortable waits, while people who use wheelchairs or have
vision impairments often cannot venture out at all due to a lack of
sidewalks and curb ramps. And surveys show Americans of all ages and income
levels want safe places to walk and ride bicycles, and public health
officials says such activity is an essential component of fighting the
obesity epidemic.

 

Complete Streets policies require transportation planners to take the needs
of all users into account in all upcoming transportation projects - so the
road network can be gradually improved for everyone.  Oregon, Virginia,
Illinois, California, and Massachusetts are among the states that have
adopted complete streets policies or laws; dozens of counties, regional
transportation agencies, and cities and regions have also adopted the
policies in the last few years, including Ms. Matsui's home jurisdiction of
Sacramento, as well as Seattle, Chicago, and Salt Lake City.  

 

The National Complete Streets Coalition includes AARP, the American Public
Transportation Association (APTA), the American Planning Association, Smart
Growth America, America Bikes, and many other organizations.  For more
information, visit www.completestreeets.org
<http://www.completestreeets.org/> .  

 

The Safe and Complete Streets Act is supported by:

 

AARP, America Bikes, America Walks, American Planning Association, American
Public Transportation Association, American Society of Landscape Architects,
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, Breathe California,
California Park and Recreation Society, California WIC Association,
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Easter Seals, Friends of the
Earth, League of American Bicyclists, Local Government Commission, National
Center for Bicycling and Walking, National Recreation and Parks Association,
Prevention Institute, Reconnecting America, Sacramento Area Bicycle
Advocates, Safe Kids Greater Sacramento, Safe Routes to School National
Partnership, Smart Growth America, Strategic Alliance for Healthy Food and
Activity Environments, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership,
Thunderhead Alliance, Transportation Alliance, Transportation Equity
Network, Transport Worker's Union, Transportation and Land Use Coalition,
Trust for America's Health, WALKSacramento, YMCA of the USA

 

 # #

 

 

Barbara

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