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Complete Streets gain traction in Albany
NYBC Announces State Legislature to Consider “Complete Streets”
The New York Bicycling Coalition (NYBC) proudly announces a giant step forward for bicyclists and pedestrians in New York State. As of June 1st, both houses of the Legislature introduced Complete Streets bills for consideration, facilitating efforts to make New York’s roadways safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, bicyclists, older individuals, children, and people with disabilities. NYBC was a principal proponent of this legislation.
Assembly Bill A8587, introduced by co-sponsors David F. Gantt (A-133rd Dist), and Jeffrey Dinowitz (A-81st Dist), and Senate Bill S5711, introduced by co-sponsors Martin Malavé Dilan (S-17th Dist) and Ruben Diaz (S-32nd Dist) would, if adopted, enable safe access to public roads for all users by requiring that transportation improvement plans consider the safety, access and mobility needs of all travelers, regardless of age or ability.
NYBC’s Executive Director Jennifer Clunie points out, “A 'Complete Streets' policy means sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts, bus shelters, bike lanes and many other features shall be routinely weighed on all street projects, and incorporated where warranted. This improves comfort and safety for all roadway users, whether young or old, motorist or bicyclist, walker or wheelchair user, bus rider or shop keeper. In addition, in highly populated areas, 'Complete Streets' can provide a sense of place and improve adjacent property values.”
NYBC has been a longtime proponent of a “Complete Streets” policy for New York State. In 2008, the American Association of Retired People (AARP), Green Options Buffalo, and a number of other statewide and federal organizations joined with NYBC to advance the Complete Streets initiative. Safety issues are a principal concern for New York residents, and traffic danger is consistently cited as a major reason why individuals will not walk or bicycle to school, work, or other destinations. Complete Streets polices are expected to bring improved safety, enhanced opportunities for physical activity, reduced carbon emissions, enhanced economic vitality and overall better quality of life. In New York State, 40% of all residents don’t possess a driver’s license and over 25% of all households don’t own a motor vehicle, further underscoring the need for this legislation.
“I'm pleased to introduce this legislation. It’s a great leap forward toward implementing what must become a multi-modal approach to transportation,” said Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “How we get around is changing. In recognition of this we need to take the necessary steps to assure that the future design and construction of our roads meet the mobility needs of all, whether riding, walking or driving.”
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, a proponent of Complete Streets in both the City of Buffalo and across New York, remarks: “The widespread lack of physical activity in our nation has played a major part in the perpetuation of the obesity epidemic. A key factor contributing to the lack of physical activity is the absence of infrastructure to support or encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel as modes of transportation. The result of our collective inactivity has burdened New York State with over six billion annually in medical costs. THAT IS WHY THIS BILL IS SO IMPORTANT.”
Justin Booth, Director of Green Options Buffalo states: “Cities in New York State, across the country and throughout the world are recognizing the demand to shift to a balanced transportation system. This shift is changing the emphasis away from moving automobiles to moving people. The same philosophy goes for people as it does for automobiles, if you design streets that invite people to walk, bicycle or take public transit they take you up on the invitation.”
New York Bicycling Coalition members want a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly State. Since 1992, NYBC has served as the only statewide, not-for-profit organization of its kind advocating throughout the state and working to assure highway, street, and transit facilities are amenable to cyclists and pedestrians and to promote safety through the education of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.
For more details, visit www.nybc.net and www.completestreets.org .
The New York Bicycling Coalition (NYBC) proudly announces a giant step forward for bicyclists and pedestrians in New York State. As of June 1st, both houses of the Legislature introduced Complete Streets bills for consideration, facilitating efforts to make New York’s roadways safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, bicyclists, older individuals, children, and people with disabilities. NYBC was a principal proponent of this legislation.
Assembly Bill A8587, introduced by co-sponsors David F. Gantt (A-133rd Dist), and Jeffrey Dinowitz (A-81st Dist), and Senate Bill S5711, introduced by co-sponsors Martin Malavé Dilan (S-17th Dist) and Ruben Diaz (S-32nd Dist) would, if adopted, enable safe access to public roads for all users by requiring that transportation improvement plans consider the safety, access and mobility needs of all travelers, regardless of age or ability.
NYBC’s Executive Director Jennifer Clunie points out, “A 'Complete Streets' policy means sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts, bus shelters, bike lanes and many other features shall be routinely weighed on all street projects, and incorporated where warranted. This improves comfort and safety for all roadway users, whether young or old, motorist or bicyclist, walker or wheelchair user, bus rider or shop keeper. In addition, in highly populated areas, 'Complete Streets' can provide a sense of place and improve adjacent property values.”
NYBC has been a longtime proponent of a “Complete Streets” policy for New York State. In 2008, the American Association of Retired People (AARP), Green Options Buffalo, and a number of other statewide and federal organizations joined with NYBC to advance the Complete Streets initiative. Safety issues are a principal concern for New York residents, and traffic danger is consistently cited as a major reason why individuals will not walk or bicycle to school, work, or other destinations. Complete Streets polices are expected to bring improved safety, enhanced opportunities for physical activity, reduced carbon emissions, enhanced economic vitality and overall better quality of life. In New York State, 40% of all residents don’t possess a driver’s license and over 25% of all households don’t own a motor vehicle, further underscoring the need for this legislation.
“I'm pleased to introduce this legislation. It’s a great leap forward toward implementing what must become a multi-modal approach to transportation,” said Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “How we get around is changing. In recognition of this we need to take the necessary steps to assure that the future design and construction of our roads meet the mobility needs of all, whether riding, walking or driving.”
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, a proponent of Complete Streets in both the City of Buffalo and across New York, remarks: “The widespread lack of physical activity in our nation has played a major part in the perpetuation of the obesity epidemic. A key factor contributing to the lack of physical activity is the absence of infrastructure to support or encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel as modes of transportation. The result of our collective inactivity has burdened New York State with over six billion annually in medical costs. THAT IS WHY THIS BILL IS SO IMPORTANT.”
Justin Booth, Director of Green Options Buffalo states: “Cities in New York State, across the country and throughout the world are recognizing the demand to shift to a balanced transportation system. This shift is changing the emphasis away from moving automobiles to moving people. The same philosophy goes for people as it does for automobiles, if you design streets that invite people to walk, bicycle or take public transit they take you up on the invitation.”
New York Bicycling Coalition members want a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly State. Since 1992, NYBC has served as the only statewide, not-for-profit organization of its kind advocating throughout the state and working to assure highway, street, and transit facilities are amenable to cyclists and pedestrians and to promote safety through the education of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.
For more details, visit www.nybc.net and www.completestreets.org .
posted by The Saratogian City Desk at
3:36 PM
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