Columbus, Ohio – Two Ohio members of Congress have joined forces on bipartisan legislation designed to improve pedestrian safety and reduce injuries and deaths at dangerous crossings in communities across the country.
U.S. Representatives Mike Carey and Emilia Sykes announced the introduction of the Save Our Pedestrians Act, a proposal intended to provide states with dedicated funding to improve transportation infrastructure for people who walk in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Supporters of the bill say it comes at a time when many communities are experiencing population growth while struggling to keep transportation infrastructure updated to meet increasing demand.
Representative Carey pointed to the rapid expansion of the Columbus metropolitan area as one example of why additional investment is needed.
“The Columbus metro region has seen rapid population growth, but unfortunately our transportation and pedestrian infrastructure has not kept up,” said Rep. Carey. “I want to thank Representative Sykes for partnering with me on this critical, bipartisan legislation. Our bill will make roadways safer for children and families by redesigning crosswalks, roundabouts, sidewalks, and other infrastructure, ensuring our local communities have the resources they need to protect pedestrians and motorists alike.”
Proposal focuses on high-risk crossings
The legislation would require that five percent of all money distributed to states through the Highway Safety Improvement Program be directed specifically toward projects that reduce injuries and fatalities at high-risk pedestrian crossings.
Those funds could be used for infrastructure improvements such as redesigning crosswalks, improving sidewalks, upgrading roundabouts, and making other roadway changes intended to better protect both pedestrians and drivers.
Representative Sykes said people across the country continue to face unnecessary dangers simply by walking through their neighborhoods.
“Every day, pedestrians in communities across the country face real risks just trying to cross the street or walk in their neighborhoods,” said Rep. Sykes. “The need for commonsense solutions is why I’m proud to once again co-lead the Save Our Pedestrians Act with Congressman Carey. The legislation will strengthen pedestrian safety, improve infrastructure, and help ensure that every community, rural, urban, and suburban, has the tools it needs to protect vulnerable road users, save lives, and make a difference in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District and across the country.”
The lawmakers said the proposal is intended to benefit communities of every size by directing additional resources to locations where pedestrian crashes and injuries are more likely to occur.
If approved by Congress, the Save Our Pedestrians Act would establish a dedicated funding requirement within the Highway Safety Improvement Program, ensuring states invest a portion of their federal transportation dollars in projects specifically aimed at making streets safer for pedestrians while reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
