This is the moment to make people-friendly streets a reality, but in order to do so, we need to speak up and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. By engaging and listening to individuals and local institutions in the community that care about public health, climate, local economies, access to jobs, and quality of life, you can transform communities and the planet.
Problem: Dangerous roadway design contributes to tens of thousands of deaths a year, and living near busy roads creates devastating health impacts like asthma and cardiovascular disease.
Solution: Creating safe, activity-friendly routes to places people live, learn, work, and play not only reduces traffic-related fatalities, it is proven to increase walking and physical activity, which fights chronic diseases and improves health.
Problem: The transportation sector generates the largest share of harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., with more than half coming from passenger vehicles.
Solution: Improving active transportation infrastructure for walkers, bikers, and public transit riders can reduce short vehicle trips and slow climate change.
Problem: Transportation is the second largest household expense after housing in the U.S., largely driven by car-related costs.
Solution: Creating more convenient and accessible bike and public transportation options encourages more usage, thereby dramatically reducing annual transportation expenditures.
Problem: An over-dependence on cars in a community can lead to social isolation, and entrenchment of historic segregation and economic disparities.
Solution: Utilizing active transportation solutions, such as walking and biking, creates greater neighbor engagement and community cohesion.
Problem: In car-centered communities, businesses do worse economically than in walkable communities.
Solution: Creating walkable environments enriches local businesses, as people stop and spend at multiple businesses instead of driving through. Active transportation projects create 46% more jobs than projects that build car-centric infrastructure.
