Recently, a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced identical bills (HR 3494 and S 1708) — the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act — to help reduce the number of bicycle and pedestrian fatalities on American roadways. Review our resources on safety and learn more about how you can help support this important piece of legislation below. Here is League of American Bicyclists President Andy Clarke’s statement on the legislation.
“Dramatically reducing the number of people biking and walking who are killed and seriously injured on our roadways is critical for two very compelling reasons.
First, this is about much more than just statistics – every one of these fatal crashes robs a family, a community and our nation of a precious human life. The costs to society are huge, and these are usually very preventable crashes.
Second, bicycling and walking are healthy and enjoyable ways to get around that we should be doing everything possible to promote: we know that lack of safety is a major deterrent to people walking and riding more frequently, and we know exactly what we can do to improve traffic safety – not just for people riding bikes and walking but for everyone on our roads.
Establishing simple safety performance measures – holding ourselves accountable to eliminate these needless crashes – will prioritize roadway designs that are safe for all users, and encourage education and enforcement programs that rid our communities of the scourge of distracted driving, speeding, and drunk/drugged/drowsy driving. That’s good for everybody.
Bicyclists and pedestrians make up an increasingly large percentage of all roadway fatalities and serious injuries – and in a handful of states the issue is particularly acute. States such as Florida, California, New York and Texas need the backing of the Federal government to tackle this problem head-on, and every State in the nation can play a role in making biking safer and encouraging more people to ride.”
The League has compiled a media packet for advocates to spread the word and gather support for this vitally important piece of legislation:
· Take Action: Tell your congressional lawmakers to support this bill.
· More on HR 3494 and S 1708
· Fact Sheet
· Chart breaking down the numbers
· Safety Resources and League ‘Rules of the Road’
