The breadth and number of organizations and individuals supporting the NYS Complete Streets bill (S.5411) is staggering, and their reasons for supporting it are as diverse as their missions. More than 60 groups have submitted memos of support to the legislature (read the full list here). Although the bill is poised for a full vote in the Senate soon, the Assembly has yet to introduce a matching bill.

Here are a few reasons why state elected officials should support Complete Streets:

A Victim’s Parent:

“New York has some of the most dangerous roads in the nation, and it is time to stop the carnage… Complete Streets [will assure] our future roads take into account the needs of all users—including users like my daughter.” Sandi Vega, Open Letter to Governor Cuomo (a similar letter was also recently published in Newsday.)

Highway Superintendents:

“Our present state and local transportation system is in need of significant safety improvements such as removing or shielding obstacles, adding or improving medians, adding rumble strips, wider lanes, wider and paved shoulders, and better road markings and traffic signals. This legislation will further promote these and other road enhancements designed to accommodate non-motor vehicle users of varied types and abilities.” NYS County and Town Highway Superintendents, memo of support

Environmental:

“Poorly planned, careless development has left a permanent scar on New York’s landscape. Sprawling development’s harmful effects include the loss of natural and historic heritage and agricultural productivity, destruction of wildlife habitat, and increased climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, transportation accounts for 34 percent of New York’s greenhouse gas emissions. It is the fastest growing segment of the state’s emissions profile. In addition, air pollution emitted from vehicles triggers asthma attacks and other lung illnesses and is a major contributor to unhealthy air that affects millions of New Yorkers.” Environmental Advocates, memo of support , bill rated “3 Trees” (i.e. rated a “major benefit” to the environment)

Health:

“Safety issues are a principal concern for residents of New York State, and traffic danger is consistently cited as a major reason why individuals will not walk or bicycle to school, work, or other destinations. This scenario has contributed to a widespread lack of physical inactivity which has played a major part in our state’s obesity epidemic. The current absence of infrastructure to support or encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel as modes of transportation has contributed to over $7.6 billion annually in obesity-related medical expenditures in New York State.” NYS Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance, memo of support

Smart Growth:

“To create healthy, sustainable communities with vibrant economies, we need to improve safety, ease of access and attractiveness of our downtowns—especially in the most underserved communities.” Empire State Future, memo of support

Equity:

“Not everyone can drive, or afford to drive, and without good infrastructure for walking and biking, and without safe routes to transit and school, many New Yorkers are left stranded.” NYS Transportation Equity Alliance, memo of support

Architects:

“Allowance and accommodation for safe road use by motorists,  pedestrians, bicyclists and users of public transit is an appropriate corollary to the sustainable design efforts we increasingly employ in the built environment. It also improves access in urban environments, which will help with downtown revitalization efforts statewide, leading to a healthier economy.” American Institute of Architects, NYS, memo of support

Regional Coalition:

“To create healthy, sustainable communities with vibrant economies, we need to improve safety, ease of access and attractiveness of our downtowns—especially in the most underserved communities. Providing affordable and adequate transportation options is the key to transportation equity and economic development in the Hudson Valley region.” Hudson Valley Speaks, memo of support

Planning:

“A growing number of New Yorkers are looking for alternatives to the automobile, either because they have stopped driving, want to reduce their driving, or because they want to be more physically active.  Walking is an important travel option for older people and all New Yorkers, and under the proper conditions it can provide a safe, healthy transportation alternative for carrying out daily activities.  Safe and accessible roadways and sidewalks are a critical link in our transportation system and vitally important to access community services.” Regional Plan Association, memo of support

Aging:

“Baby boomers begin turning 65 this year, placing us at the start of an unprecedented growth in our aging population.  There is no better time to adopt Complete Streets legislation to ensure that roadways are designed so that all users can walk their streets safely.” Lois Wagh Aronstein, AARP New York State Director.

Before he was elected last year, Governor Cuomo told AARP that he would support a complete streets bill “which takes into consideration all users including motorists, bicyclists, publictransportation vehicles and riders,and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, when designing andoperating roadways.” Now’s his chance to make good on that promise. Tell the governor and members of the State Assembly to support safer streets today.