On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee passed Complete Streets (S5711-a). This legislation amends the highway law, and enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles—principles that take into account the needs of bike, pedestrian, public transport, and motorist users alike. Advocates hope the companion Assembly bill (A-8587) will be introduced soon.

The vote in the Senate Committee was not unanimous—Senator Catharine Young, a Republican from Olean, raised concerns that this was an “unfunded mandate” that would negatively impact rural communities. However, Tom Benware, Senior Legislative Analyst for Transportation Committee Chairman Senator Martin Malave Dilan, explained that the law explicitly states that there are several exemptions which local jurisdictions can use, including an exemption if “the cost would be excessively disproportionate to the need” as determined by land use context and other factors.

On Wednesday, at the Governor’s Smart Growth Cabinet, Acting NYS DOT Commissioner Stanley Gee stated that he “strongly supports Complete Streets” and he believes that a complete streets policy is an integral part of the Smart Growth and Livable Communities agenda that NYS DOT has taken on. He stated that he thought designing Complete Streets will emerge as a mandate through federal legislation. Commissioner Gee linked Complete Streets to the newly released NYS DOT Bike and Pedestrian Policy, and he spoke about the importance of complete streets for making our communities accessible for all users and modes; for promoting connectivity; and as a part of the smart growth focus on density and mixed use areas, sustainability, and socioeconomic factors.

To date, thirty organizations have submitted memos of support for this legislation, including AARP, Natural Resources Defense Council, American Cancer Society, Regional Plan Association, NYPIRG Straphangers, NY Bicycling Coalition, Transportation Alternatives, and Tri-State Transportation Campaign. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition website, over 130 jurisdictions across the United States have adopted Complete Streets policies (or have made written commitments to do so), including New York’s immediate neighbors—Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.