Complete Streets Act continues efforts to enhance safety for pedestrians | Featured Letter

• U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, represents the 9th Congressional District.

I introduced the Complete Streets Act to help each state create a Complete Streets program to provide technical assistance and capital funding for safe streets projects, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. 

However, I wanted to clarify the achievements that have been made on this important issue.

Although the Commercial Appeal's  Oct. 19 article, “Memphis is in the midst of a 'traffic violence crisis,'” noted that the bill has yet to be acted upon, I am pleased to report that parts of the bill were included in the Moving Forward Act, which passed the House on July 1. 

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The Moving Forward Act would revise roadway design standards to require that they consider all potential users and establish a $250 million grant program to support Complete Streets programs and enhance safety for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians.

I also secured report language on this issue in Transportation and Housing and Urban Development fiscal year 2021 appropriations legislation, and convened a Complete Streets roundtable in Memphis last October. 

In addition, the Complete Streets Act was included in the Select Committee’s Climate Crisis Action plan. 

We are facing a national safety crisis, and, here in Memphis, we have one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. We need streets that can accommodate all means of transportation, from foot traffic and strollers to cars and 18-wheelers. 

Thankfully, we can make real changes to ensure our streets are accessible to all, and keep our pedestrians, bike riders, and public transit users safe. 

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, represents the 9th Congressional District.