WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)—Yesterday, Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-OH) introduced the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 (H.R. 1780) into the U.S. House of Representatives. The federal measure would direct states and regions to adopt policies to provide for the needs of all users of the transportation system, including people of all ages and abilities who are walking, bicycling, and taking the bus.
“Complete Streets policies are win-win for local communities: they save lives and create forward-looking projects that provide lasting value,” said Congresswoman Matsui, the lead author of the Safe and Complete Streets Act, in a statement. “I have seen firsthand the interest in Complete Streets on the local level, and a Federal Complete Streets standard will ensure a consistent approach for all our transportation investments.”
Representative LaTourette, who co-sponsored the bill, added, “I’m happy to lend my support to the Safe and Complete Streets Act, which helps ensure the safety of all those using our roadways.”
Twenty-three states and more than 200 regional and local jurisdictions have adopted Complete Streets policies to date, according to the National Complete Streets Coalition.
The bill is based on successful state and local policies that are ensuring that every road project begins to create a safer environment. A federal provision would lead to policies in every state and every Metropolitan Planning Organization that will transform transportation planning practices. It would likely be folded into the federal transportation authorization bill.
The bill was referred to the House committee on transportation and infrastructure.
Reps. Matsui and LaTourette are circulating a letter to drum up support and co-sponsors for the bill in Congress.
