Dear Amy,
Now is our chance!
While we continue to work to preserve federal funding for bicycling and walking, there is an opportunity this week to ensure that federally funded transportation projects accommodate the needs and safety of all users — including pedestrians and bicyclists. This would be a real chance to see Complete Streets policies enacted in every state.
On Wednesday morning, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will consider an amendment offered by Alaska Senator Mark Begich to provide safe and adequate accommodations for all users in all federally funded street projects. This means safer roads for everyone, including those who walk, bicycle, ride transit, or drive cars.
Your Senator is a member of this committee and we need you to voice your support TODAY for the Senator Begich amendment to S. 1950 on “safety for motorized and nonmotorized users."
Please forward this message to all of your members and supporters, with a link to the League of American Bicyclists' Action Center, where you can send an email directly to your Senator. Below, you'll find a sample letter you can customize to send to your Senator, as well. Attached, you'll find additional talking points and information about the amendment.
This is the first time in more than six years that our federal representatives will take a vote on Complete Streets language — please, take action TODAY!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Jeff Miller
President/CEO
p.s. Don't forget to sign up for our Federal Policy Call, tomorrow, Dec 14th at 3 p.m. Eastern.
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Dear Senator [X],
I write to encourage you to support Senator Mark Begich’s amendment to S. 1950, which will ensure all federally funded street projects provide for the safe travel of those who are walking, bicycling, riding transit, or driving cars.
This important amendment would ensure that future transportation investments made by state Departments of Transportation improve safety for everyone. Over the past 10 years, 67% of pedestrian fatalities occurred on federal aid roads. For those aged 5 to 34, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death. And, for children aged 5 to 14, pedestrian injury is the leading cause of unintentional death.
Additionally, the amendment would make lower-cost travel options like walking and bicycling safe and convenient – so families can spend less of their hard-earned income on transportation expenses. Planning for the inclusion of all users at the outset of a project can minimize costly delays in construction and even costlier retrofits.
More than 300 communities — including states, MPOs, counties, and towns of all sizes — have already said they will plan their streets in this manner. With additional guidance and support for Complete Streets from the federal level, these localities will have an easier time building the roads they want - roads that make their communities healthier and wealthier.
Please support Senator Begich’s amendment to improve safety for all users.
Sincerely,
[Complete Streets Supporter]
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