Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Build Complete Streets

http://www.completestreets.org/news/public-health-community-lines-up-behind-complete-streets/

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that communities adopt complete streets policies in their fight against obesity – and has recommended using our Coalition’s standards to measure their success.

The critical need to create streets that are safe and inviting for physical activity for young and old has become one of the driving forces behind our movement."

Car Free in Hartford?

Anton Rick-Ossen argues for pedestrian and bicycle priority zones in Hartford: http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/hc-plc-anton-car-free-zone.artjun28,0,1177741.story

Closer to home, New York City has recently blocked off Times Square and Herald Square from cars. Responses so far are positive. Tourists seem to love it and traffic is reportedly moving smoother along the adjacent avenues. In Hartford, the idea of a car-free zone might not be too far off.

Allyn Street, between Union Station and the XL Center, is often closed off for block parties. Permanently setting aside Allyn Street for pedestrians would not only help the pubs and restaurants that are already there, it could also help attract new business, possibly even new construction. Brick paving and well-chosen trees could really create ambience.

Horse Stops Cell-Phone Distracted Driver

See this article from New Haven Safe Streets.

Connecticut Bike and Pedestrian Plan Can Be Bolder

Reporting from TSTC: http://blog.tstc.org/2009/07/21/connecticut-bike-and-pedestrian-plan-can-be-bolder/

In comments, Tri-State recommended that the final plan include more specific funding recommendations, measurable performance goals like a commitment to build 350 miles of bicycle infrastructure over 5 years, and substantive policy changes that would build upon recently passed “complete streets” legislation. These include:

Implementing “Safe Routes for Seniors” and “Safe Routes to Transit” safe streets programs, modeled after similar programs in New York and New Jersey and the federal Safe Routes to School program.

Ensuring that bicycles are allowed access on Metro-North trains at all times and the creation and implementation of a bicycle sharing program at stops along Connecticut Metro-North stations.

Designating at least 10% of federal road safety and air pollution grants to bicycle and pedestrian programs. (The grants come from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality accounts.)

Obama Discusses a New Vision for Urban Policy

The White House Office of Urban Affairs and the Domestic Policy Council hosted a day-long discussion about the future of America’s urban and metropolitan areas. Participants included policy experts from across the country, several cabinet members, and elected officials. Discussions covered the evolution of metropolitan areas, best practices in urban communities, and how the federal government can be a more effective partner in these communities. After the roundtable discussions, the President spoke on some of the challenges facing urban communities today. (from TC Streets for People).

An excerpt:

And that's why we've created a new interagency partnership on sustainable communities, led by Shaun Donovan, as well as Ray LaHood and Lisa Jackson. And by working together, their agencies can make sure that when it comes to development -- housing, transportation, energy efficiency -- these things aren't mutually exclusive; they go hand in hand. And that means making sure that affordable housing exists in close proximity to jobs and transportation. That means encouraging shorter travel times and lower travel costs. It means safer, greener, more livable communities.

So we're off to a good start. But the truth is, is that Washington can't solve all of these problems that face our cities, and frankly, I know that cities don't expect Washington to solve all these problems. Instead of waiting for Washington, a lot of cities have already gone ahead and become their own laboratories for change and innovation, some leading the world in coming up with new ways to solve the problems of our time.

3 Foot Passing Law

WalkBikeCT has more on the new law: http://www.walkbikect.com/2009/06/jersey-goodness-and-share-road.html

When will Hartford police set up "stings" to make sure that drivers are following the new rule?

To see ConnDOT's new 3-foot-law and share the road PSA campaign, including radio spots and colorful advertisements, click here.

Complete Streets Bill Signed By Governor Rell

The Connecticut Complete Streets bill was signed into law last week. For coverage of local complete streets initiative, Design New Haven has a nice round-up.

Here's an excerpt of the Governor's press release:

CONTACT: Rich Harris, 860-299-6237, July 4, 2009

Governor Rell Signs Bill Aimed at Boosting Bicycle, Pedestrian Access


Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has signed into law a bill intended to improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists by directing 1 percent of future highway and street funds to such purposes and establishing an advisory board to work with the Governor, the Department of Transportation and the Legislature in the future.

Under the bill, beginning October 1, 2010, a minimum of 1 percent of the total funds received by the DOT or Connecticut municipality in any fiscal year for street and highway construction,r estoration, rehabilitation or relocation must be spent to provide facilities for "all users" - including bikeways and sidewalks with curbcuts or ramps.

The law makes exceptions for resurfacing and for emergency repairs and other special situations, such as roads where non-motorized use is prohibited [e.g., Interstate 84] or the costs of "all-user" accommodations would be prohibitive.

"Walking and bicycling are more than healthy lifestyle choices - for many Connecticut commuters, they are the way to get to work," Governor Rell said. "We want to encourage that, not only because it's good for personal fitness but because it removes congestion from our highways and pollutants - including greenhouse gases - from our skies.

"In addition, this bill creates a new, 11-member panel to ensure that the focus on 'all-user' transportation options continues to be a priority," the Governor said. "The panel will promote programs and facilities that encourage alternatives to driving and help the state develop the best ways to promote this important option."

The new law - Senate Bill 735, An Act Improving Bicycle and Pedestrian Access - takes effect July 1.

Complete Streets are also popular at the local levels. Perhaps Hartford would consider passing a bill? And for more on Federal-level complete streets initiatives, see: http://www.completestreets.org/policy/federal/complete-streets-in-the-house-transportation-bill-next-steps/

Bus Fare Hike Battle Continues in Hartford

Governor Rell's proposal to increase bus fares by 40% apparently isn't dead on arrival: http://blog.tstc.org/2009/07/01/connecticut-fare-hike-fight-continues/.

The higher fares would impede CT's ability to transition to a 21st-century transportation system and promote job growth, which depends on having a readily available work force.

DNH has some additional background on the transportation controversy here.