A "Complete Streets Program" was approved unanimously by the Suffolk County Legislature on Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by Legis. Rob Calarco, D-Patchogue, directs the county's Department of Public Works to consider all modes of travel when designing a road project, requires the DPW to evaluate the feasibility of using a host of features to accommodate not only motorists, but also pedestrians, bicyclists, bus riders, senior citizens and people with disabilities, according to a press release from Calarco's office.
“The region’s growth in population and its dependence on cars has led to an ever-worsening grid lock on our roadways, which are some of the most dangerous roads in New York State," Calarco said. "This bill sets the tone for Suffolk County when it designs its roadways. Now we must look to accommodate all users. Complete Streets is a smart program that should enhance the quality of life for everyone."
The Complete Streets program is supported by the AARP/Livable Communities, Vision Long Island, and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
“This bill, passed in a 16-0 vote, sends a powerful public message. Now we must design our roadways for everyone, not just cars and trucks,” said Eric Alexander, executive director of Vision Long Island. He added that the program will offer the opportunity for Suffolk County to take a good look at some of the county roads that are the hardest for the disabled, bicyclists, seniors and walkers to navigate.
The bill was co-sponsored by Legis. Sarah Anker and Kara Hahn.
Gov. Cuomo signed a statewide Complete Streets law last year.
DPW to evaluate the feasibility of using a host of features to accommodate not only motorists, but also pedestrians, bicyclists, bus riders, senior citizens and people with disabilities, according to a press release from Calarco's office. Really...sounds like Death Race 2000 to me....imagine that intersection....wheel chairs, bikes, scooters, cars, trucks, hand gliders.....who makes it through??? Is this what we pay these hacks for????? This is absurd. I have an idea, pass laws to stop the deadly talking and texing while driving....oops sorry I know...you can't do that....may lose the soccer mom and teen gal votes. make those laws equal to DWI, as it has been proven time and time again this is more dangerous than DWI. Two tipsey eyes on the road are better than none!!!Ahhh, shucks...sorry again...that means you hacks and your buddies can't race around in your official cars(paid for by the taxpayer) pretending that what you do is important LOL and talking and texting. From this lack of stepping up the penalties.....it must be that the Dem Legialators just don't care about saving lives...LOL...just a LIb tactic of course it is not true and is a lie...see I said it! LOL
Take a few turns onto and off of Woodside. God help the bikers! But we all know they are not using this joke of a road.....for fear they will be killed.
Civil engineers should be asked to make pedestrian traffic more of a priority when designing new roads and bridges in Suffolk County. Who can argue with that?