Health, Safety & the Environment

Higher prices at the pump should not be our only motivation to make our streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.  Part of what we love about living in  Connecticut, particularly when the weather improves and the days become longer,  is being able to bicycle around the community to do errands and visit friends.  Unfortunately, more can be done to make cycling and walking safer.  Keeping our roads  safe and accessible to cyclists and pedestrians should be an important consideration in project planning and development.  A small step in the right direction is “Complete Streets” Bill, SB 735, which is pending before the Connecticut legislature.  Our legislators need to get behind the “share the road” concept to encourage cycling and walking, not only because it is energy efficient activity, but because being able to bicycle and walk  improves our quality of life.  Each year, billions of dollars are invested across the United States in infrastructure and transportation projects.  Transportation For America recognizes that how this money is spent today will affect our quality of life for generations to come.  Our representatives in Hartford should recognize that Connecticut’s future depends upon thoughtful long-range planning.  The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (“CTLCV”)  is partnering with Transportation For America to educate Connecticut about  smart transportation options that make Connecticut greener, cleaner and healthier.  We all need to let our representatives know that we care about this issue.