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Only 0.7 percent of federal transportation funds are spent on improving pedestrian facilities.

Taking the safe streets fight to D.C.

Sep 10, 2019 | by Barb Cornew

While transportation may not be the biggest issue in national politics this year, members of Congress do understand how important it is for their constituents to be able to get where they need to go.

Active Trans worked with advocates from across the Chicago region to meet with their members of Congress during the summer recess. We discussed how to work together on a national agenda for safer streets and more reliable public transit.

Personal connections and local stories go a long way with elected officials in D.C. Citizens from Park Ridge, Evanston, Des Plaines, Chicago, Elk Grove, Schaumburg, Elgin, Downers Grove and Wheaton met with U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Chuy Garcia, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Quigley, Sean Casten, and Brad Schneider.

We are fortunate to have many longtime champions of walking, bicycling, and transit in the Chicagoland Congressional delegation. In our meetings, constituents shared local successes and concerns with their representatives. They also talked about the following two House bills:

  • HR3040 — The Safe Streets Act: The Safe and Friendly for the Environment (SAFE) Streets Act would reform the Highway Safety Improvement Program to prioritize the safety of vulnerable people walking and bicycling.
  • HR3663 — The Complete Streets Act: The Complete Streets Act of 2019 would require states to set aside money for complete streets projects, create a statewide program to award the money and provide technical support, and adopt design standards that support safer, complete streets.

Active Transportation Alliance is scheduling constituent meetings with other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. Contact barb@activetrans.org if you wish to meet with your U.S. Representative this fall.

 

Photo above was taken during our recent constituent meeting with U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. From left is Courtney Cobbs, Melissa Hulting, Rep. Schakowsky, Agata Dryla-Gaca, and Wharton Sinkler.