Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011

On May 5, 2010 Doris Matsui (D-CA) has introduced H.R. 1780 – The Safe & Complete Streets Act of 2011.  This legislation is poised to place requirements on projects that utilize federal funds that necessitate the adherence to a ‘Complete Streets‘ policy.  While submitted by Matsui, the bill also lists Steven LaTourette as co-sponsor.  LaTourette previously sponsored the Complete Streets Act of 2009.

…require each state’s department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization to put in place a Complete Streets policy that ensures all Federally-funded transportation projects accommodate the safety and convenience of all users. Complete Streets policies ensures roadways are built with all users in mind – including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, motorists, freight vehicles, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. This bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Steven LaTourette (R-OH).

The current text of the bill (available here, or from the Government Printing Office) is actually refreshingly short and readable, at least in its current, as-submitted form.  It defined ‘Complete Streets’ as:

The term ‘‘complete street’’ means a roadway that safely accommodates all travelers, particularly public transit users, bicyclists, pedestrians (including individuals of all ages and individuals with mobility, sensory, neurological, or hidden disabilities), motorists and freight vehicles, to enable all travelers to use the roadway safely and efficiently.

In essence, this bill would require that all states have a law on the books requiring that all projects comply with ‘Complete Streets Policies.’  In addition, it further requires an official statement of policy be in place for both state and metropolitan planning organizations to follow Complete Street policies in all of their transportation planning projects.

Matsui’s can be contacted via the below means:

Washington, D.C. Office Sacramento Office
Phone: (202) 225-7163
Fax: (202) 225-0566
Phone: (916) 498-5600
Fax: (916) 444-6117
222 Cannon Building
Washington, DC
20515-0505
Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse
501 I Street, Suite 12-600
Sacramento, CA
95814-7305
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