Active Trans legislative agenda targets funding, pedestrian safety

We are working again this year on key pieces of legislation that will make your community a better place. We are supporing bills that tackle a variety of issues — pedestrian safety, funding and transportation policy. We’ve already witnessed how your phone calls, letters and e-mails to elected officials make a difference. Last year, our members showed impressive support for Chicago’s Bicycle Safety Ordinance. In 2007, members from far and wide pressured state officials to pass Complete Streets, which ensures that road projects accommodate all road users. Check back to our blog and watch out for action alerts when your swift advocacy is critical!

Active Trans legislative agenda

The Active Transportation Alliance is working with legislators and the community to build support around the following federal and state legislation:

FEDERAL

• Surface Transportation New Authorization: This is a big one. This bill determines federal funding for surface transportation (roads, highways, bridges, sidewalks, transit) for the next six years. We are advocating that the bill maximizes investment in creating affordable transportation options for all Americans.

ILLINOIS

• Illinois Capital Bill: Illinois has not provided new state transportation capital in almost a decade. Illinois needs more than federal resources to expand residents’ transportation options and build a sustainable future if it doesn’t harness the power of projects that improve the public’s health, wallet and environment.
• Pedestrian Safety (HB 43) (SB30): Would require drivers to stop — rather than yield —for pedestrians. This change will help reduce the more than 6,000 car crashes involving pedestrians each year. Sen. Steans (Chicago) and Rep. Arroyo (Chicago) are the bill’s sponsors.
• School Safety (HB 156) (SB 75): Would give school districts more flexibility in using money they receive from speeding violations in school zones. Specifically, the bill would allow school districts to use the funding for Safe Routes to School and School Safety Block Grant activities. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Bond (Grayslake) and Rep. Pritchard (DeKalb)
• School Transportation Task Force (HJR 6): The task force would study and recommend changes to Illinois’ school transportation program in hopes of reducing the $600 million they spend on student transportation each year. It would also help the more than 150,000 students who live close enough to school they could walk and bike. Sponsored by Rep. Nekritz (Des Plaines).
• Distracted Drivers Task Force: These are bill recommended in the state’s Distracted Drivers Task Force report. It includes a bill that bans texting while driving (HB 71) and a bill banning the use of cell phones while driving in school zones and construction zones (HB 72). Both bills are sponsored by Rep. D’Amico (Chicago).
• Share the Road License Plate: Would allow year-round license plates with a “Share the Road” sign and “Same Rights, Same Rules” text.  Proceeds from the specialty plates would fund educational campaigns for motorists and cyclists in Illinois. Sen. Bond (Grayslake) is sponsoring the bill and working with the League of Illinois Bicyclists and Active Trans.

Stay informed

You can follow legislation at www.ILGA.gov. Continue calling your elected official urging their support of important bills. Expect  Action Alerts from us letting you know when to put on the extra pressure. You can check back for bill updates at our website:www.activetrans.org/legislation.