Safe Streets Advocates From Across New York State Applaud Gov. Hochul on Signing 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 from across New York celebrated today following Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement that she signed the Complete Streets Funding Bill, which would fund street safety improvements across the state, 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 incorporate complete streets elements — which include bike lanes, crosswalks, and removing car travel lanes, sometimes known as road diets.

“Losing a loved one to traffic violence is a pain no family should have to experience. After losing my daughter Brittany to a crash, I fought for the 2011 Complete Streets Act. I am overwhelmed with emotion to see new funding become available for cities and towns to build safe streets thanks to the Complete Streets Funding Bill,” said Families for Safe Streets member Sandi Vega. “This law will undoubtedly save lives and prevent more families from experiencing the unimaginable loss of losing a child. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Senator Kennedy, Assemblymember Fahy, and all of the elected officials who made this legislation a reality.” 

The bill was part of a package of bills from the NYS Safe Streets Coalition. The statewide coalition consists of more than 100 street safety advocates, public health groups, major hospitals, elected officials, and community groups.

The Complete Streets Funding bill becomes the third bill from the Crash Victim Rights & Safety Act to become law this year, joining a bill that would allow municipalities to lower speed limits to 25 mph and one requiring additional driver’s education instruction on interacting with vulnerable road users.

The NYS Safe Streets Coalition will return to Albany next month to rally support for the SAFE Streets Act, which includes measures to lower New York City’s speed limit, mandate new vehicle safety standards, and guarantee basic rights for crash victims.

What the NYS Safe Streets Coalition is saying:

“The National Safety Council congratulates NY Governor, Kathy Hochul, on the signing of the Complete Streets Funding Bill. “Road design that protects all road users reduces traffic crashes and the risk of death and injury to those who use our streets to walk, bike, and roll. The Complete Streets Funding bill is an important step towards creating safer spaces and saving lives,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at the National Safety Council.

“The Complete Streets Funding bill empowers cities and towns across the state to invest in safe streets infrastructure that is proven to keep everyone on our roads safe. Traffic violence is preventable and this legislation gives communities another tool to combat this public health crisis,” said Elizabeth Adams, Senior Director of Advocacy & Organizing at Transportation Alternatives. “We’re grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership in signing this bill, along with Senator Kennedy, Assemblymember Fahy, and all of the bill sponsors for working together to pass this important legislation. We look forward to our continued partnership into the next session to take additional action to stop traffic violence.”

“The Complete Streets Funding Act will provide funding for counties and municipalities to do more than just consider other users of roads and bridges. This Act provides the funds to improve their roadway and bridge infrastructure thereby making it safer for all users of New York State roadways. In following Complete Streets design concepts New York State will be able to attract additional bicycle tourists & others to enjoy the scenic and historic attractions of our State,” said Harvey Botzman, author, Cyclotour Guide Books.

“Complete streets are a critical part of ensuring that New Yorkers can safely access the outdoors and walk, bike, roll, or otherwise travel in and between communities. With this legislation, we look forward to seeing cities and towns across the state deepen their investment in safe streets,” said Dylan Carey, Greenway Program Director for Parks & Trails New York. “We thank all of the champions who have fought to see this critical bill pass and we look forward to continuing to see New York invest in infrastructure that is safe for all roadway users.”

“The Complete Streets Funding Act is critical legislation. The federal infrastructure law unlocked the power for NY State to transform its streets and roadways. These funds will help make that dream a reality for local jurisdictions statewide,” said Felicia Park-Rogers, Director of Regional Infrastructure Projects of Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “Streets that are safe for all users- walkers, transit riders, cyclists, kids, and seniors, are at the heart of creating safe and livable communities for all people. Transforming our transportation network in this era of dire climate change and inequity starts with transforming our streets.”

“We are delighted to see increased funding for Complete Streets projects. In 2022 our Capital City of Albany has seen the most pedestrian deaths since at least 1999. People are driving larger vehicles and driving them faster and with less attention.  We need this increased funding for Complete Streets to turn this deadly trend around and make our streets safe for all that use them,” said Ed Brennan, Albany Bicycle Coalition President 

“We applaud Governor Hochul's signing of the Complete Streets Funding Bill.   Funding for development of Complete Streets is a vital element in our efforts to reduce traffic violence and create true equity for all users of our roads in NY State,” said Mark Robbins, Rochester Bicycling Club Advocacy Coordinator.

“We’re thrilled that Governor Hochul is signing the Complete Streets Funding Bill,” said Sara Lind, Chief Strategy Officer at Open Plans. “Her strong and continued support for Complete Streets, street safety, and reducing car dependence will be critical to addressing the overlapping crises of traffic violence, increasing congestion and climate change. We look forward to partnering with the Governor in 2023 to continue this important work. Happy New Year indeed!”

"This bill supports and incentivizes local municipalities to invest in better infrastructure as a solution to slow vehicle speeds and make our communities walkable, bikeable and improve access to public transit," said Justin Booth, Executive Director at GObike Buffalo. "This will help ensure our roadways are safe and accessible for all people, regardless of age or ability."

“This bill increases funding localities urgently need to be able to build streets with adequate protection for bikers and walkers. That means it encourages carbon-free transportation, something NYS urgently needs to do to reach its climate goals. We applaud the Governor’s action, and hope this is just the beginning of her strong leadership for active transportation as a key tool against climate change,” said Margaret Johnson, Director at Bike Walk Tompkins.

“"No one should have to risk their life simply to walk down the street. By signing this Complete Streets bill into law, Governor Hochul is taking an important step towards keeping all New Yorkers safe,” said Jackie Gonzalez of Walkable Albany.

“The NY Coalition for Transportation Safety advocates for safe passage of our most vulnerable road usage and Complete Streets legislation gives us hope that all roadway users will learn to share the road when the infrastructure is in place,” said Cynthia Brown, Director of the NY Coalition for Transportation Safety. 

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