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As our communities grow and change with the times, local officials, who design our streets and plan for the future, are met with increasing challenges.

The senate has approved legislation, known as “Complete Streets” which will offer some guidance to state, county and local transportation with an eye toward safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 300 pedestrians were killed on New York’s roadways in 2009—more than 45 other states.

Twenty-six percent of all traffic fatalities in New York State in 2009 involved pedestrians, which is more than double the national average.

No one factor can be blamed for the disturbing numbers, but clearly, steps need to be taken to design safer streets.

By requiring planners to consider “Complete Streets” principles better safety strategies will be implemented.

“Complete Streets” design principles are roadway design features that accommodate and facilitate safe travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists of all ages and abilities.

These features include sidewalks, paved shoulders suitable for use by bicyclists, bicycle lanes, “share the road” signage, crosswalks, pedestrian control signalization, bus pull outs, curb cuts, raised crosswalks, ramps, and traffic calming measures designed to allow pedestrian and motor traffic to easily coexist.

A federal highway administration safety review found that streets designed with these features improve safety for all users, such as enabling pedestrians to cross busy roads in two stages, improving bicycle safety and reducing left-turning motorist crashes to zero.

The legislation would require all state, county, and local transportation agencies to take into account “Complete Streets” design principles on all projects which receive both federal and state funding.

The legislation was developed in consultation with all interested parties, including the New York State Department of Transportation, the governor, the assembly, county and town highway superintendents, and advocacy groups.

I am keenly aware of the financial hardships many localities face and every penny counts when improvement projects are considered. That is why the legislation does not mandate implementation.

However, I believe, that by reviewing the safety concepts during the design phase, planners will realize that significant improvements can be accomplished for a relatively minimal cost.

Along with making streets safer, the features help enrich the quality of life and improve a location’s marketability—all positive traits.

“Complete Streets” is supported by a number of organizations, including the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development.

In calling for passage of the legislation, the Catskill Center declared, “Providing affordable and adequate transportation options is a key to transportation equity in New York.

Not everyone can walk or drive, and without good infrastructure for walking and biking, and without safe routes to transit and school, many New Yorkers are left stranded.

To help create healthy, sustainable communities with vibrant economies, we need to improve safety, ease of access and attractiveness in our downtowns—especially in the most underserved communities.”

The New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association, and the Business and Labor Coalition of New York have also endorsed “Complete Streets.”

AARP, in a memo supporting the legislation, stated that, “Safe and accessible roadways and sidewalks are a critical link in our transportation system and vitally important to access community services” and that the legislation would “bring more of a balance to our roads and make them safe for all users.”

Perhaps the most moving support for this legislation came from Sandi Vega, whose 14-year-old daughter, Brittany, was killed while walking across a downstate highway last year.

Mrs. Vega said, “This law would help save lives, improve safety, and prevent tragedies. Saving even one family from the heartache and lifelong pain that comes with losing a loved one, which my family feels every day, will make this law well worth it.”

“Complete Streets” design principles have a proven track record of reducing injuries and fatalities. I look forward to the governor signing the legislation into law.