Cyclists, walkers, runners and transit users have some good news. Connecticut’s “Complete Streets” bill, now Public Act 09-154, has passed both houses and awaits the governor’s signature.
While bike and pedestrian advocates see the final version of the bill as a slightly watered down version of the original, the Complete Streets legislation is absolutely a step in the right direction 
toward ensuring that transportation isn’t just about cars anymore. If we want cleaner air, healthier residents and less reliance on petroleum, we better start making it a whole lot easier and safer for people to get around by foot and by bike.
The enactment of the Complete Streets legislation is the result of an informal coalition of advocates from across the state. Now is a good time to recognize those who put a lot of hard work into getting this bill across the finish line.
- First, Liz Brown and Tom Brooks of the Commission on Children raised the question last December, “What can we ask for this legislative session that will enable children to be more active?” Out of that discussion came a meeting with Senator DeFronzo and the idea to pursue Complete Streets legislation. Throughout the process Liz has been a great guide to how the legislature works!
- Second, Deb Dauphinais of the Central Connecticut Bicycle Assocation (CCBA) provided the vital personal connect with Representative Tom Kehoe. Deb also organized the CCBA Legislative reception where bicycle advocates demonstrated their numbers and provided a great launch for the bill.
- Third, Ryan Lynch and Tri State Transportation Campaign get the lion’s share of credit for seeing this through. Ryan drafted the beautifully simple language that survived almost completely intact. He was always ready with research to support the bill when questions came up from the legislature. He was the main legislative contact and he did a great job of keeping the informal coalition of advocates informed and getting them to reach out to their constituents.
And finally, many thanks and congratulations go to Representative Tom Kehoe (Glastonbury) who was the main backer of the bill, and Senator Don DeFronzo (New Britain) and Representative Tony Guerrera (Rocky Hill), co-chairs of the Transportation Committee who put the support of the committee behind the bill , and the numerous Senators and Representatives who voted in favor of the bill. Consider sending them a message or calling to let them know you appreciate all their hard work on this bill. (Representatives’ contact info; Senators’ contact info).
To all the bike and pedestrian advocates who promoted the complete streets bill– great job in keeping the grass roots interested and active. Without the demonstrated support from advocates throughout the state, complete streets would never have passed - your work was essential.
Connecticut's Complete Streets Team includes:
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Connecticut Association Community Transportation
Connecticut Commission on Children
Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Transit for Connecticut
Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
Connecticut Livable Streets Campaign
Farmington Valley Trails Council
No comments:
Post a Comment