We’d like to thank Representative Steve LaTourette [R, OH-14] for signing on to the Complete Streets Act of 2009, making the bill bipartisan in the House. He joins sixty existing co-sponsors in supporting good transportation planning practices that ensure that the safety of everyone using the road will be taken into account – whether they are driving, bicycling, walking, or catching the train or bus.
“With 23 states and more than 140 local governments adopting Complete Streets policies, it has become clear that this is not a partisan issue – and that this is a change in transportation priorities that Americans want to see nationwide,” said Barbara McCann, Executive Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition. “We want to thank Mr. LaTourette for that recognition.”
Local advocates from Walk+Roll Cleveland worked with Mr. LaTourette to bring him on board, sharing with him the economic benefits of building infrastructure that serves bicyclists and pedestrians. Local bicycle shop owners also visited LaTourette, who is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. He may have also been influenced by interest from the Ohio Department of Transportation in developing a Complete Streets policy or by the policy adopted by Cleveland’s metropolitan planning organization, the Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency. The Congressman’s decision to co-sponsor the Federal Complete Streets Act came shortly after a local Complete Streets party in Cleveland that drew nearly 1,000 participants.
Members of the National Complete Streets Coalition were pleased with the development.
“Complete Streets is a common sense, cost effective way of ensuring transportation investments work for all Americans. We’re pleased with the growing bi-partisan support for the Complete Streets Act of 2009,” said Randy Neufeld, President of America Bikes.
“In signing on to the Complete Streets bill, Rep. LaTourette has started what could become a significant step toward safer more user-friendly streets for everyone, whether they walk, drive or ride,” said AARP Senior VP for Government Relations and Advocacy David Sloane. “Many Ohioans have seen the benefits of Complete Streets policies in their hometowns; AARP looks forward to the rest of the nation sharing that opportunity.”
To learn more about the Complete Streets Act of 2009, please see our federal page. If you live in Mr. LaTourette’s district, please be sure to thank him: you can use our quick and easy action page or call his offices directly:
Painesville, OH: 800-447-0529 or 440-352-3939
Twinsburg, OH: 330-425-9291
Washington, DC: 202-225-5731