California Bicycle Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 7, 2006

Moving California Backward
The future of bicycling and walking in California just took a turn for the worse. When California voters passed Proposition 1B, the $20 billion dollar transportation bond, they unknowingly increased the risks and hazards on California roads. "Our roads should accommodate all users, not just trucks and cars" said KC Butler, Executive Director of the California Bicycle Coalition (CBC). "This measure will continue the cycle of investing in congestion, air pollution and global warming, threatening public health, safety and well-being, diminishing our quality of life in California."

The bond clearly ignores the intent of California's own Department of Transportation. Caltrans Deputy Directive 64 states that all projects funded by or through the department should consider the needs of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, youth, the elderly, disabled, and the transit dependent. Though the bond includes $4 billion for public transit, it fails to invest in infrastructure to improve access to transit; further, the investments in roadway expansion will undermine transit expenditures, compromising their utility, despite the great need, especially in the face of global climate change.

CBC is already building momentum to advocate for the passage of legislation that ensures that Proposition 1B funds are used to serve all Californians. "We plan to work with the Legislature to ensure that California's bicyclists have safe and convenient access to the road. Our plan will save lives!" said Mr. Butler.

CBC's plan is based on the national "Complete Streets" movement. "Complete Streets" is the concept that a road doesn't fulfill its mission unless it accommodates all users. Federal transportation policy supports a Complete Streets approach to roadway design, and many communities throughout the country have adopted legislation to require that roadways serve all users.

In launching a statewide Complete Streets Campaign, CBC's first goal is to build a diverse coalition of supporters to demand legislation that guarantees safer and accessible roads for all. Every road, every trip, every walk to school or the grocery store should be safe; otherwise, California is making a bad investment!

You can find out more about the "Complete Streets" movement at www.completethestreets.org. To get involved in the CBC campaign, go to www.calbike.org or contact KC Butler at (800) 679-2453.

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