"This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized." So said US Transportation Secretary LaHood in his blog and with it, the announcement that the US Department of Transportation has made official a new policy on bicycle and pedestrian accomodation in all transportation projects.
The overall policy statement is clear when it says that "The DOT policy is to incorporate safe and convenient walking and bicycling facilities into transportation projects. Every transportation agency, including DOT, has the responsibility to improve conditions and opportunities for walking and bicycling and to integrate walking and bicycling into their transportation systems."
I have been saying for over a year that a new day has dawned in federal transportation policy. It began last year with the formation of the Sustainable Communities Partnership between DOT, HUD and EPA. Who can doubt it now.
Through our Center for 21st Century Communities and Get Michigan Moving programs, the League has been pushing the idea of making investments in our communities to make them more walkable and creating multi-modal forms of transportation. We're working with Representative Jon Switalski and other advocacy groups on "complete streets" legislation and recently brought international walking expert Dan Burden to several communities and soon to our Capital Conference.
So what's it going to be Michigan? I say now is the time for local offiicals to push hard to ensure that biking and walking paths are included in any street makeover and transportation plan being devised. It's time to push back at transportation engineers, whether they be local, regional, or state level who want to stay with the old paradigm of simply creating streets for the automobile. We know what works to create vibrant, 21st century communities. Let's do it.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League and works to find strategies and tools to help create vibrant communites. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail
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