Green Options Buffalo and The New York Bicycling Collation (NYBC) efforts are finally paying off in New York State. As of June 1st, the “Complete Streets” bill was introduced to both houses of Legislature for consideration. This bill would help make roads safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, bicyclists, children, the elderly, and the disabled. NYBC was the principal supporter of the “Complete Streets” bill.
G.O. Buffalo helped pass similar legislation in the City and Erie County governments last year which allowed Assembly Bill A8587 and Senate Bill S5711 to be introduced. If adopted, this bill would allow safe access to public roads to any user regardless of transportation, age, or ability.
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.”
In New York State, 40% of people do not have a driver’s license while 25% of all households do not own a motor vehicle. Traffic danger is cited as a primary concern among these individuals who need to walk or ride a bike. Because of the safety concerns in New York State, the Complete Streets initiative has been supported by not only G.O. Buffalo and NYBC, but the AARP, Transportation Alternative, Safe Routes to School National Partnership and other state and federal organizations.
The Complete Streets policy is intended to bring improved safety, enhance opportunities for physical activity, reduce carbon admissions, and improve the overall quality of life. The bill will bring more sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts, bus shelters, and bike lanes, encouraging more physical activity, while helping out the environment.
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt says of Complete Streets: “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 $6 billion annually in medical costs. That is why this bill is so important.”