Last month, the New York State Senate passed legislation to mandate the development of bicycle and pedestrian paths with any new or reconstructed public road. This bill is crucial since New York is among the states with the most dangerous streets, particularly for young children and older adults. Certainly a step in the right direction, for this policy to be effective, it must be expanded to include all roads, to encourage greater levels of physical activity and ensure safety for all. In order to understand the magnitude of this first legislative step, it is helpful to understand the events which have led up to the current problem for pedestrians.
Under the Eisenhower administration, the construction of the highway system allowed for increased opportunities for both trade and interstate travel. This, in turn, created a trend towards design which catered to our most prominent mode of transportation, the automobile. However, as an unintended consequence, health and walkability issues increased.
Over the past few decades, many groups, such as AARP and Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance, have advocated for increased bicycle and pedestrian pathways for healthier and safer transportation alternatives. As a result, this transportation movement has led to campaigns such as Safe Routes to School and Complete Streets. While these efforts began as safety measures for school children, they have evolved into ones which encompass the ideals of Aging in Place, Healthy Communities, and Smart Growth.
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