Binghamton – Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) announced today that both the state Senate and Assembly passed the “Complete Streets” bill (A.8366) she cosponsored. She was joined by representatives of AARP, the Broome County Strategic Alliance for Health and the Sierra Club for the announcement. The bill encourages transportation planners to consider safer crossings and roadways for users of all ages and abilities, including children, elderly and disabled pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users and motorists. It will be delivered to Governor Cuomo for his consideration later this summer.

The measure, commonly known as “Complete Streets,” would encourage transportation officials to consider specific guidelines when planning transportation projects, including features that accommodate convenient access by all users. Such features to be considered would include sidewalks, paved shoulders for bicycle use, bicycle lanes, share the road signage, lane striping, crosswalks and pedestrian signals, ramps, bus pullouts and other traffic-calming measures.

Under this legislation, state Department of Transportation (DOT) projects, as well as local projects that receive federal and state funding and are overseen by the DOT, would consider Complete Street guidelines. No municipality would be expected to spend local funds, over the amount allocated by federal and state aid, to meet the new guidelines.

“For too long, transportation planning has focused on the movement of cars and trucks,” said Lupardo, a member of the Transportation Committee in the Assembly. “The complete streets legislation encourages walkable and bikeable communities that are safe for all.”

“Assemblywoman Lupardo’s leadership in the Assembly made Complete Streets a reality in New York State,” stated Erin Mitchell, AARP New York Associate State Director for the Southern Tier. “This legislation will go a long way in helping people maintain an independent and active lifestyle as they age by making roads safer for all users.”

“The City of Binghamton has been working for more than two years on creating complete streets, with partners like the Broome County Strategic Alliance for Health and Livable Communities Alliance. Mayor Ryan is committed to creating more livable and sustainable communities, and building streets that are accessible to all users, ages and abilities," said Tarik Abdelazim, Director of Planning Housing and Community Development. “Now, thanks to Assemblywoman Lupardo’s efforts, complete streets are just one step away from becoming law throughout the state."

“The Sierra Club believes that encouraging alternative means of transportation is essential in the effort to reduce fossil fuel consumption and mitigate climate change,” said Julian Shepherd, Chair of the Susquehanna Group of the Sierra Club. “We whole-heartedly applaud Assemblywoman Lupardo's success in spearheading the Complete Streets legislation. Making it safer and easier for alternative transportation will increase the number of people using these means.”