The Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen introduced to the House of Representatives the H.R.1289 cited as the “Complete Streets Act of 2021”.
The Bill proposal came from Dangerous by Design 2021 report which also has recommended the Congress the adoption of the Complete Streets Act of 2021, by requiring departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organization the necessary support to plan a sustainable and safe environment for all users.
This new Bill, in case of being passed, will be very helpful to increase the safety by its goals. According to its text, they are “(A) to provide technical assistance and incentives for the adoption of complete streets policies, (B) to encourage eligible entities to adopt a strategic and comprehensive approach for the development of complete streets, (C) to facilitate better pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit travel for users of all ages and abilities by addressing critical gaps in pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit infrastructure, (D) to distribute funding to reward eligible entities that have committed to adopting complete streets benchmarks developed by the Secretary under subsection, and (E) to ensure that underserved municipalities, neighborhoods, and people, including low-income people and communities of color, are served equitably by the complete streets program.”
Each year, the challenge of keeping pedestrians safe continues out there, and project design is one of the keys to making a proper environment for all users of all ages, including bicyclists, public transit passengers, automobiles, buses, and trucks.
Nothing happens without funds and for projects that follow the Complete Streets Act of 2021 requirements, there will be more investment in the area.
FTA is paying close attention to the result of this Bill to make sure there will be more resources dedicated to making safer roads.
Author: Degoncir Goncalves
Source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1289/text