Reps. Matsui and Joyce Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create Safe Streets for All Users
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
CONTACT:
Julie Eddy (Rep. Matsui) 202.225.7163
Kevin Benacci (Rep. Joyce) 202.225.5731
Reps. Matsui and Joyce Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create Safe Streets for All Users
The Safe Streets Act of 2015 would create safer roads for bicyclists, pedestrians, seniors, schoolchildren and motorists
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) and Congressman David Joyce (OH-14) introduced H.R. 2071, bipartisan legislation that would ensure our nation's roadways are built with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, motorists, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The Safe Streets Act of 2015 would require each state to implement a Complete Streets policy within two years so that all new federally-funded transportation projects accommodate the safety and convenience of all users.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that on average, a pedestrian was killed every 2 hours and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2013. And, while passenger vehicle deaths decreased in 2012, bicyclist fatalities (682 to 726) and injuries (48,000 to 49,000) increased in 2012 from the year before. Research shows that well-designed sidewalks, bike lanes, intersections, and other street features to accommodate all modes of travel can significantly reduce injuries, deaths and automobile crashes, while improving street functionality and efficiency. To this end, more than 500 jurisdictions at the local, regional and state levels have already implemented Complete Streets.
"With the number of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths and injuries we see each year, we must re-evaluate the transportation designs we have in place. We must design roads that encourage other transportation methods so that pedestrians and bicyclists can commute safely." said Congresswoman Matsui. "That is why I am pleased to re-introduce the Safe Streets Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation that would ensure our communities' streets are developed with all users in mind. Complete Streets policies have been a major success at the local and state level, saving lives, easing congestion, fighting air pollution and creating forward-looking projects that provide lasting value."
"This is a common sense effort that will make our roadways safer for everyone. It shouldn't matter whether you are sitting in your car, riding your bike or walking to your destination - you should be able to get there safely, and this bipartisan legislation puts this on the road to becoming a reality," said Congressman Dave Joyce.
The Safe Streets Act of 2015 is supported by numerous organizations including: AARP, Transportation for America, the National Complete Streets Coalition, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, the American Planning Association, the League of American Bicyclists, and the National Association of Realtors.
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