NY State Senator Craig Johnson stood up for safer streets on Monday, agreeing to co-sponsor state complete streets legislation (SB5711/A8587) after participating in a “walkability audit” in New Hyde Park with AARP volunteers, New Hyde Park Village Trustee Donald Barbieri and Village Treasurer Patrick Farrell, and advocates from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Vision Long Island, and other groups.

The proposed bill would enable safe access to public roads for all users by requiring that roads include “complete street design features” like sidewalks, paved shoulders, and crosswalks.  Sen. Johnson will join seven other Senate co-sponsors, including  Senator Brian Foley, the only other Long Island co-sponsor of either the Assembly or Senate bills. Long Island is home to the two most dangerous roads in the region for pedestrians, according to a TSTC analysis.

The event was one of two on Long Island — the other being in Patchogue — which marked the first day of AARP New York’s Complete Streets Week.  Across the state, advocates and volunteers are conducting walking audits of dangerous intersections to highlight unsafe conditions for pedestrians, particularly seniors.

AARP will hold more events highlighting the need for safer streets for pedestrians throughout the week.  To learn more and to sign up to do a walking tour in your neighborhood visit their website.

Image: Ryan Lynch/Tri-State Transportation Campaign.