Assemblyman Leno kicks off bike commute month

Assemblymember Mark Leno (file photo)
Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

By Elizabeth Daley

May 2, 2007

In honor of California's "Bike Commute Month," Assemblyman Mark Leno pedaled to work at the state Capitol Tuesday. He is also promoting a bill to require city planners to "address the needs of all roadway users."

According to Leno's office, AB 1358 will require each city or county to devise a general plan to identify how they will accommodate circulation of all roadway users, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and users of public transportation.

"Streets aren't just for cars, they're for people and AB1358 will ensure our roadways are safe and convenient for everyone -- young or old, riding a bike or on foot, in a car or on a bus," Leno said.

Leno authored the bill based on a national movement aimed at building so-called "complete streets" for all roadway users. Should the bill pass, new general plan provisions would be required if local governments revise traffic flow in order to ease congestion.

"Complete Streets ensures that tax dollars are invested to serve all Californians, and protect and enhance our quality of life now and in the future," said K.C. Butler, Executive Director of the California Bicycle Coalition.

Kent Strumpell, Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition Board Member (right),
presents Leno with a petition in support of Leno's “Complete Streets” measure.

According to Leno's office, the complete streets program has many societal and public health benefits and would help decrease spending to retrofit roadways, reduce roadway congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions and combat obesity.

Leno's office cited a study that found 43 percent of people with safe places to walk within 10 minutes of home met recommended physical activity levels. In Portland, Ore., a complete streets approach to city planning resulted in a 74 percent increase in bicycle commuting, Leno's office reported.

AB1358 was passed in the Assembly Committee on Local Government on April 18 and will be heard next in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, Leno's office reported.

Copyright © 2007 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

####