by Angie Schmitt, Streets Blog
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The document was produced by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (the body represents state DOTs), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and a number of safety and law enforcement groups. Take a look at what they’re proposing and it’s clear the mentality of these institutions hasn’t evolved much in the past 40 years, even as America falls farther behind countries with far safer streets.
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All fine ideas that make a difference, but this formula leaves out many other strategies adopted by countries like Germany, Japan, and the UK — countries where the per capita traffic fatality rate is less than half the rate in America.
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https://usa.streetsblog.org/2015/03/20/the-american-highway-safety-establishment-warms-up-some-leftovers/
$15 Million Available For Key Bicycle, Pedestrian & Trail Projects in MD
Author: ITP News Desk
HANOVER, MD (February 27, 2015) – Working to expand bicycling and walking opportunities throughout Maryland, staff from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the State Highway Administration (SHA) will hold workshops to detail five programs that provide funding for bicycling, pedestrian and recreational trail projects: Bikeways, Safe Routes to School, Transportation Alternatives, Federal Lands Access Program and Recreational Trails. In 2015, $15 million in reimbursable grant funding will be available for projects that enhance walking, biking, pedestrian safety and recreational trail access.
“A balanced transportation system must take into consideration the needs of the pedestrian and bicycle communities,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn. “These workshops will help local jurisdictions secure the funding they need to make biking and walking a more convenient, safe and fun transportation alternative for residents and tourists.”
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More info: https://inthepanhandle.com/local/news/article/15_million_available_for_key_bicycle_pedestrian_trail_projects_in_md
US DOT: Mayors’ Challenge closing in on 100 cities; is yours in? – Baltimore, nope
byAnthony Foxx
Last month here in the Fast Lane, I launched DOT’s Mayor’s Challenge For Safer People and Safer Streets. Today, I’m pleased to say that 86 communities from across the U.S. have committed to join the Mayors’ Challenge and improve safety for bicycle riders and pedestrians of all ages and abilities over the next year.
And the good news is, there’s still time for more cities to sign up.
The Challenge will showcase local practices to improve safety, share tools for local leaders to take action, and promote partnerships to advance pedestrian and bicycle safety. Mayors, other elected officials, and team leaders from registered cities will attend a summit in March then return to their communities to start taking action in seven different challenge areas.
Overall, highway deaths have been declining in recent years–in fact, roadway fatalities have fallen by 25 percent over the last decade. Unfortunately pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities have not seen similar safety gains and now represent nearly 17 percent of total fatalities. In 2013, bicyclists were the only group to show an increase in total deaths.
While it’s true that cities around the country are seeing more people walking and biking to get where they need to go, we cannot accept an increase in deaths and injuries among people choosing those transportation options. The Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People and Safer Streets seeks better protection of the most vulnerable users of our roadways based on the latest pedestrian and bicyclist safety innovations.
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https://www.dot.gov/fastlane/mayors-challenge-closing-100-cities-yours