How safe are your streets?
Submitted by Hannah Chessin on June 3, 2011 - 2:43pm
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Earlier this week, Transportation for America released a sobering report, “Dangerous by Design”, which shows that over 47,700 pedestrians were killed between 2000 and 2009 in the United States. These preventable deaths are in large part due to the many hazards and short-comings in many street designs.
Montana Conservation Voters, along with the many partners in the Transportation for America coalition, is supporting legislation that would increase requirements that streets are designed to meet the needs of all users – pedestrians, cyclists, public transit riders, children, the elderly and those with disabilities – not just cars. This legislation, recently introduced by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Steve LaTourette (R-OH), H.R. 1780 “The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011,” builds on these same “complete streets” improvements that over 200 local municipalities and 23 states have already set underway.
Congress also has an opportunity to address this issue in the upcoming transportation reauthorization bill. By advancing new policies and by protecting dedicated funding for programs, like Transportation Enhancements and the Safe Routes to School program, that help make improvements to our streets, people could feel comfortable getting places without their car. With less people driving, communities will be able to reduce their dependence on foreign oil, save money at the pump, and reduce global warming pollution. In addition, by walking or bicycling more often people will see better long term health.
How can you help? You can start by reading the Transportation for America Partners’ updated report and educating yourself on why we need complete and safe streets. Then you should contact your Representative in Congress and tell them to support HR 1780, “The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011”. The bill already has bipartisan support, but we need to call on every member of Congress to support safer streets that don’t focus simply on cars.
You can contact Representative Denny Rehberg on this important matter by sending him an email here: http://www.rehberg.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=62§iontree=6,62. You can also call into Congressmen Rehberg’s Washington office and ask for his support at (202) 225-3211.
