Congresswoman Matsui, Community Leaders Join Together in Support of Complete Streets & Safe Routes to School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

CONTACT: ALANA JUTEAU
(916) 498-5600

Congresswoman Matsui, Community Leaders Join Together in Support of Complete Streets andamp; Safe Routes to School

CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) and other community leaders joined together at the Fruitridge Community Center to call for a national Complete Streets policy to be included in the American Energy and Infrastructure Act. Congresswoman Matsui has introduced a bipartisan amendment to the bill that would require states that receive federal funding for their road improvement projects to implement Complete Streets policies.

"Since 2009, more than 880 pedestrians and bicyclists have been injured, 30 fatally, here in Sacramento," said Congresswoman Matsui. "These needless and preventable incidents highlight the need for Complete Streets policies, which are critical to making our communities more livable, sustainable, and most importantly, safe."

Last May, Congresswoman Matsui reintroduced the Safe and Complete Streets Act (H.R. 1780) in the House of Representatives. When passed, this legislation will ensure the safety of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, as they travel on and across federally funded streets and highways. In addition to improving safety, studies show that Complete Streets policies help improve local economies, increase job growth, and attract more investments to the given area.

Terry Preston, Complete Streets Project Coordinator with WALKSacramento, said, "The federal Complete Streets legislation proposed by Congresswoman Matsui will make Fruitridge, and similar roads in Sacramento and around the region, safer for drivers, bicyclists and walkers of all ages. WALKSacramento urges Congress to implement Complete Streets in the transportation bill, and to provide dedicated funding for it as well. We need roads that are safe for all."

Julia Hassel of Sacramentoand#39;s AARP Capitol Action Team commented, andquot;Older people consistently tell AARP that it's important for them to be able stay in their homes and communities as they age. Complete Streets policies make streets safe and convenient for people of all ages and abilities, whether travelling by car, foot, bicycle, bus, streetcar, or subway.andquot;

Larry Greene, Air Pollution Control Officer for Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, remarked, "Creating complete streets will provide people with real transportation choices. Walking and bicycling, especially in combination with public transit, can reduce congestion and improve air quality."

Councilman Kevin McCarty added, "I applaud Congresswoman Matsui on stepping up to help address this issue. Itand#39;s crucial that we all work together to make our streets safer for pedestrians."

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