Assemblymembers, Safe Streets Advocates Urge Gov. Hochul To Sign Complete Streets Funding Bill
Complete streets projects proven to reduce fatalities and injuries by as much as 30% where implemented.
10,000 New Yorkers have been killed in traffic violence since the last complete streets law was signed in 2011.
NEW YORK — Safe streets advocates joined with Assemblymembers Phara Souffrant Forrest, Zohran Mamdani, Robert Carroll and Assemblymember-elect Juan Ardila to rally at Governor Kathy Hochul’s New York City office to urge her to sign the Complete Streets Funding Bill into law.
The Complete Streets Funding Bill, sponsored by Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, increases state funding for road projects when a municipality opts to include complete streets elements — which include bike lanes, crosswalks, and removing car travel lanes to reduce speeding.
“After my daughter Brittany was killed in traffic violence, I dedicated myself to preventing future tragedies on streets across the state — leading to the first Complete Street Act’s passage in 2011. More than a decade later, New York State has a chance to prioritize the systematic construction of safe, complete streets infrastructure — from Buffalo to Syracuse to Ithaca and to Wantagh. By signing the Complete Streets Funding bill into law, Governor Hochul can save lives and keep our children safe,” said Families for Safe Streets Member Sandi Vega.
“The crisis of traffic violence on streets across New York State demands serious action from our state’s elected leaders. This legislation, that passed the State Legislature this summer, would increase the state's funding for street redesigns when municipalities agree to incorporate a complete streets redesign, which can include bike lanes, raised crosswalks, ramps, road diets, and more. Redesigning streets for safety is the most effective way to protect people from crashes. People deserve to feel safe crossing the street. Each day that goes by that leaves our dangerous roads unchecked is a gamble on our lives. Together we can pass this law and save lives,” said Senator Tim Kennedy, chair of the Transportation Committee.
“There were 21% more motor vehicle fatalities in New York State in 2021 compared to 2019, according to a National Safety Council report. A NHTSA report estimated 12% more traffic fatalities in New York State in 2020 compared to 2019. It should come as no holiday surprise for anyone that following the COVID-19 pandemic, pedestrian deaths hit a 40-year high in the United States. Our children deserve the chance to be kids. Our children deserve the chance to grow up. I am hopeful that we can sign the Complete Streets Funding bill to support towns, villages, and cities across New York State build safe streets in our communities,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy.
Key benefits of complete streets:
Equity: Car ownership is $10,728 in 2022, up from $9,282 in 2019 and expected to continue to rise. Moving beyond car dependence unburdens low-income communities from the necessity of owning and maintaining a car.
Traffic Violence: Crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death in New York State, and the number one cause of death overall for children under 14. In New York, complete streets projects have decreased serious injuries and fatalities by as much as 30%. Reducing car lanes from 4 to 3 can lead to a 25.2% reduction in crash frequency per mile.
Climate Crisis: Transportation is the leading source of emissions in New York State at 47%, and motor gasoline accounts for the highest share of these emissions. Investing in safe, accessible and convenient alternative infrastructure is essential to encouraging mode shift.
Economic Recovery: Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates approximately 50,000 jobs.
Public Health: Designing our communities around car usage increases exposure to particulate matter pollution, leading to increased rates of asthma and other diseases. This is particularly true in communities of color which often bear the burden of more truck routes, the historic legacy of highways built through their neighborhoods, and the health effects that come with it. Facilitating the design of complete streets is a proven method for increasing positive health outcomes.
What the NYS Safe Streets Coalition is saying:
"As New York State faces a crisis of traffic violence, implementing complete streets projects in communities across the state will protect everyone from crashes. This legislation will save lives and give New Yorkers safer streets to walk, bike, take transit, and drive on. We urge Governor Hochul to sign A8936/S3897 into law today and give municipalities another tool to combat traffic violence," said Elizabeth Adams, Senior Director of Advocacy & Organizing at Transportation Alternatives.
“New York State should be leading the nation on street safety, people-centered design and car independence,” says Sara Lind, Chief Strategy Officer at Open Plans. “Traffic violence is rising across the state and car-centric policies have gutted mobility options in small towns and big cities alike, especially among low-income communities. We’re encouraged that the Governor is looking to sign this bill and urge her to do so as soon as possible.”
"Traffic violence is a crisis in New York State, and inaction will only worsen it. Complete Streets projects have the power to transform our communities, making streets safer and more welcoming for everyone—from drivers to pedestrians. This new law allows municipalities to invest more in projects that make our roads safer for people of all ages and abilities by making them more accessible to cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders. We urge Governor Hochul to sign A8936/S3897 into law today so that municipalities can implement these life-saving measures as soon as possible," said Jaqi Cohen, Policy & Communications Manager for Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
“Complete Streets are essential to creating vibrant, well-connected communities. In the face of a traffic violence epidemic and climate change crisis, New York State should be doing everything in its power to make it easier for communities to design streets that are safe for everyone and that encourage non-motorized modes of transportation,” said Dylan Carey, Greenway Program Director at Parks & Trails New York.
"All across Western New York, communities are demanding safe, complete streets,” said Justin Booth, Executive Director at GObike Buffalo. "Making our streets accessible for every person, regardless of age or ability, while giving them dignity, should be a right every New Yorker enjoys and why this common sense legislation should be signed by our Governor."
"Every New Yorker deserves the right to safe transportation, even if they cannot afford a car. By signing this Complete Streets bill into law, Governor Hochul will take an important step towards ensuring that New Yorkers do not have to risk their lives simply to walk down the street,” said Jackie Gonzales of Walkable Albany.
“Our Capital City of Albany has seen the most pedestrian deaths since at least the turn of the century. People are driving larger vehicles and driving them faster and with less attention. We need greater funding for Complete Streets to turn this deadly trend around and make our streets safe for all that use them,” said Ed Brennan of Albany Bicycle Coalition.
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