House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Passes Complete Streets in Funding Bill
LANSING, MI – June 18, 2009 – Representative Jon Switalski was seen yesterday holding the League of Michigan Bicyclists' (LMB) Complete Streets issue paper as he expressed interest in introducing Complete Streets language to the transportation funding bill.
Today, he did just that. This morning the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee passed Section 399 of Senate Bill No. 254 H-1 The substitute language states, "The department [MDOT] and local road agencies that receive appropriations under this act shall adopt complete street policies." (See complete language below)
Today's passage marks the first efforts by the Michigan Legislator to adopt a statewide Complete Streets policy to build and maintain roadways that accommodate all roadway users "particularly public transit users, bicyclists, pedestrians (including individuals of all ages and individuals with mobility, sensory, neurological, or hidden disabilities), and motorists, to enable all travelers to use the roadway safely and efficiently."
Complete Streets is a top legislative priority for LMB, which is strongly encouraging bicyclists to write thank you notes to supportive Subcommittee members. (Emails of supporters are listed below.)
Section 399 was passed within the transportation funding bill, meaning it will not actually be incorporated into any existing statute and would be valid for the duration of one year – the period the funding bill covers.
Since the State Senate and House passed different versions of the funding bill, it has been referred back to a Joint Conference Committee to resolve the differences. “The cycling community will need strong advocates to insure the Complete Streets language stays in the final version,” said John Lindenmayer, LMB Associate Director. “Additionally, since this provision would sunset after a year, LMB will continue to work with the cycling community and partner Complete Streets advocates to push forward strong supplemental legislation.”
The breakdown of votes fell on party lines. Supporting the measure were Representatives: Lee Gonzales (D), Richard LeBlanc (D), Doug Bennett (D), Robert Dean (D), Jon Switalski (D) and Marie Donigan (D). Opposed were Representatives: David Agema (R) and Paul Opsommer (R). Representative Shanelle Jackson (D) was absent.
Contact:
John Lindenmayer
Associate Director, League of Michigan Bicyclists
john@LMB.org
Phone: (517) 334-9100
www.LMB.org
Again, cyclists are encouraged to draft letters of appreciation to supporters of the measure.
Emails of Supporters:
Representative Lee Gonzales: leegonzales@house.mi.gov
Representative Richard LeBlanc: richardleblanc@house.mi.gov
Representative Doug Bennett: dougbennett@house.mi.gov
Representative Robert Dean: robertdean@house.mi.gov
Representative Jon Switalski: JonSwitalski@house.mi.gov
Representative Marie Donigan: mariedonigan@house.mi.gov
Emails of Nonsupporters / Absent:
Representative David Agema: daveagema@house.mi.gov
Representative Paul E. Opsommer: paulopsommer@house.mi.gov
Representative Shanelle Jackson: shanellejackson@house.mi.gov
Senate Bill No. 254 H-1
Rep. Switalski moved to amend the bill as follows:
Amend page 30, following line ____, by inserting:
"Sec. 399. The department and local road agencies that receive appropriations under this act shall adopt complete street policies. In planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of streets and highways, the department and local road agencies shall adhere to the adopted complete street policy.
As used in this section, "complete street" means a roadway that accommodates all travelers, particularly public transit users, bicyclists, pedestrians (including individuals of all ages and individuals with mobility, sensory, neurological, or hidden disabilities), and motorists, to enable all travelers to use the roadway safely and efficiently.
As used in this section, "complete street policy" means a state or local law, ordinance, or policy that ensures:
(A) the adequate accommodation, in all phases of project planning and development, of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, and individuals with disabilities; and
(B) the consideration of the safety and convenience of all users in all phases of project planning and development.
The department shall provide assistance to and coordinate with local road agencies, and metropolitan planning organizations in developing complete street policies."
LMB Testifies Before House Transportation Committee on Bicycle Safety Legislation
June 11, 2009 - The Michigan House Transportation Committee took up a slate of bicycle safety bills - dubbed the "bike safety package" by bill sponsor Rep. Gabe Leland (HB 4958, 4959, and 4960).
These are the bills that LMB has been working on which would increase the
penalties for any traffic violator who commits a moving violation that
injures or kills a bicyclist (HB 4858 and 4959) and would add a bicycle
education component to the drivers education curriculum (HB 4960).
Many of you helped advocate for these bills during our Advocacy Day at the
end of May. Thank you! There is no doubt that your legislative visits
helped to motivate last weeks hearing.
Rep. Knollenberg (sponsor of 4958) gave moving testimony about personally
being hit by a driver while cycling. In addition to LMB, several cyclists
and organizations came out to testify in front of the committee. This
included Rory Neuner of the Michigan Environmental Council, Jack Minore of
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, John Waterman of Program to Educate
All Cyclists, Tim Potter who talked about fallen cyclists and the Ride of
Silence and Art Slabosky who represented himself as an engineer and avid
cyclist. A special thank you to all of them for testifying on such short
notice.
I think the general consensus was quite positive -- it appeared that most
legislators see the value and importance of promoting safety and education
for cycling, despite opposition from the Secretary of State and the Michigan
State Police.
We don't know when there will be a Committee vote on these bills but
we'll keep you updated with any progress.
Please make sure to write your own legislator on these important bills. You
can find the contact info for your State Representative and Senator by
putting in your 9 digit zipcode at: http://www.votesmart.org/
You can download detailed info on LMB's legislative agenda at:
www.lmb.org/AdvocacyAgenda.pdf
Thanks again for all your help in making Michigan a safer state for
bicycling!
