By Tivona Renoni,
Senator Kennedy, who introduced new legislation to expand the state’s Complete Streets law, continues to support targeted funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as a means to boost quality of life and community development in Buffalo and across the state.
“Investing in bicycle and pedestrian safety will ensure our children have safe routes to school and improve quality of life for local families by providing more opportunities to walk and bike safely,” said Senator Kennedy. “Safer roadways lead to stronger communities, and an expanded Complete Streets law, backed by targeted investment, will pave the way to an improved transportation network and a stronger state. This new infrastructure investment will make a long-lasting impact on the safety of our roads and highways, and help strengthen neighborhoods in Buffalo, Cheektowaga and throughout all of New York State’s towns, villages and cities.”
Justin Booth, executive director of GObike Buffalo, said, “With the highest fatality rate in the nation for pedestrians and bicyclists, 27 percent, New York State is only spending a few pennies on the dollar to protect the most vulnerable users of our roads. For the good of the economy and the health, safety, and quality of life of all New Yorkers, an increase in the state’s financial commitment to pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure should be paramount.”
Paramount, indeed.
Lead image: 3D Illustration of a city around a tire, created by Brazilian graphic designer Bruno Ferrari