Senator Markey and Rep. Cohen Introduce Legislation to Improve Safety, Accessibility for Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Public Transit Users

Statement

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Complete Streets Act, legislation that would promote safer and more accessible transportation routes across the United States. A "complete street" is one designed to provide safe and accessible transportation options for multiple modes of travel, as well as for people of all ages and abilities. "Complete streets" can accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users, not just cars and freight vehicles. A "complete street" is also safe for children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities. The Complete Streets Act would require states set aside a portion of their federal highway funding to create a grant program that will fund "complete streets" projects to make transit routes safer and more accessible. Through this program, eligible local and regional entities can apply for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe streets projects, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. Pedestrian fatalities increased by 35.4 percent between 2008 and 2017. In 2018 alone, 6,227 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes, the highest mortality rate since 1990.

"Our roads and sidewalks are far more than a means of transportation, they are a means of economic growth and community development, and we must make them safe and accessible for everyone," said Senator Markey. "When we have "complete streets', we can have complete communities -- comprehensive centers for employment, education, health care, civic life, and commerce. Whether you are traveling by foot, spoke, or pass, everyone deserves "complete streets', and this legislation will help fund safe transportation options for the 21st century."

"We are facing a national safety crisis," said Congressman Cohen. "Over the past decade, this country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians killed while walking. We need streets that can accommodate all means of transportation, from foot traffic and strollers to cars, light trucks and 18-wheelers. The grants made under the Complete Streets Act will transform communities and make them safer."

A copy of the Complete Streets Act can be found HERE.

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) are co-sponsors of the legislation in the Senate. In the House of Representatives, the legislation is also co-sponsored by Reps. Adriano Espaillat (NY013) and Ruben Gallego (AZ-07).

Under the Complete Streets Act:

States would be required to set aside five percent of their federal highway money to create a "Complete Streets" program.
Eligible entities would need to adopt a Complete Streets policy, participate in technical assistance, and create a prioritized plan for Complete Streets projects in their jurisdictions to access the funding.
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) would be responsible for certifying that Complete Streets policies meet minimum requirements set out by the United States Secretary of Transportation.
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, States, and MPOs would be required to adopt design standards for federal surface transportation projects that provide for the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the surface transportation network, including motorized and non-motorized users, in all phases of project planning, development, and operation.

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