Federal, State, Local Officials; Transportation and Smart Growth Advocates; Bicycling, Safe Street and Running Organizations Join in the Plea for Safer, Smarter Roadways
(North Patchogue) Assemblyman Edward Hennessey was joined by federal, state, and local officials; Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island; Ryan Lynch of Tri-State Transportation Campaign; and leaders of bicyclist and running groups from across Long Island and NYS (Jim Nostrom-Long Island Bicyclists and Runners for Safety; Daniel Flanzig-New York Bicycling Coalition; Mike Polansky-Greater LI Running Club) to call on Governor Cuomo to dedicate $20 million more annually in the budget to ensure pedestrian bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects to protect vulnerable users.
Furthermore, Hennessey, who also requested funding for other similar projects in the 3rd AD and Suffolk, called on the NYS DOT to aggressively consider NYS Complete Streets Policy in the planning and design of road projects in order to integrate all users of our roadways, to enhance communities, and keep people safe.
“Hit and run driving is an epidemic on Long Island and throughout the state. My bill A7315 introduced last year is a common sense approach to stiffen penalties and de-incentivize drivers from hitting a pedestrian, a jogger, or another motorist and fleeing the scene without stopping and calling for aid,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.
“If we want to make our roads safer, more user-friendly for everyone, more integrated with our communities, then we need stiffer laws but also better, smarter infrastructure. This is where the necessary funding and the commitment of our NYS DOT to implement the funding become imperative to follow through on the Complete Streets Policy,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.
“Safety along our roadways is critically important, both for motorists and those who walk, run or bike,” said Congressman Tim Bishop. “Too many times each year we hear about tragedies on our streets that could have been avoided through proper planning. Implementing the complete streets design model will help to prevent these tragedies from occurring and protect our residents.
“I sponsored the Complete Streets legislation in Suffolk County because I believe that every resident should be able to drive, bicycle or walk safely from one destination to another. I commend Assemblyman Hennessey for his dedication to making sure our projects in Suffolk County are well-funded and can be implemented as soon as possible,” said Legislator Rob Calarco.
Assemblyman Fred Thiele, a member of the Assembly’s Transportation Committee, noted, “Last year, after several meetings with roadway engineers and safety officers, police, emergency responders, and elected officials, my office released a South Fork Highway Safety Roundtable Report, outlining projects and initiatives to make South Fork roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. With the adoption of the Complete Streets Law in 2011, we must ensure that pedestrian and bicycle safety infrastructure projects, here on Long Island and throughout the State, receive a continuous and dedicated funding stream.”
“Long Island has some of the most dangerous roadways in the region and modern day safety enhancements can reverse these conditions. Kudos to Assemblyman Hennessey for seeking to secure much needed funding to make these dangerous streets safer,” said Eric Alexander executive director, Vision Long Island.
“Long Island has some of the most dangerous roads for pedestrians in the region,” said Ryan Lynch, associate director for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. “Yet New York State only plans to spend 2 percent of its total transportation budget on pedestrian and bicycle safety projects. Governor Cuomo and the leadership of the State Senate and Assembly must prioritize funding for these types of projects to improve safety, mobility and quality of life on Long Island and throughout New York State.”
“New York Bicycling Coalition stands with Assemblyman Edward Hennessey and other state lawmakers who have recently supported dedicated funding for bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure in the state budget. Communities are eager to invest in these project to improve safety, revitalize business districts and enhance quality of life. With bicyclists and pedestrians accounting for 28% of all traffic fatalities in New York State, the safety of these road users is of particular concern. In 2012, bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities in Suffolk County comprised 15.6% and 13.1% of the fatalities statewide, respectively. New York State must find a way to increase the amount of funding available for bike and pedestrian projects if we are to reduce these preventable deaths on Long Island and in other communities across the state,” said Josh Wilson, Executive Director, New York Bicycling Coalition.
