Bill Text: NJ AR151 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges municipalities to implement complete streets policy to improve quality of life in communities across State.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-06-14 - Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading [AR151 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-AR151-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Urges municipalities to implement complete streets policy to improve quality of life in communities across State.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging municipalities to implement a complete streets policy in order to improve the quality of life in communities across this State.
Whereas, The "complete streets" policy is a way to provide safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities to be able to move along and across streets using a comprehensive, integrated, and connected multi-modal network of transportation options; and
Whereas, Under previous transportation policy and design approaches, non-motorists were not fully considered; however, under the "complete streets" policy, greater consideration is given to pedestrian, bicyclist, and public transportation user needs during the planning process; and
Whereas, A complete streets policy may include smooth, wide, and safe sidewalks that are accessible to persons with disabilities; and
Whereas, Complete streets policies may also include dedicated bike lanes, two-way left turn lanes to reduce vehicle accidents, and clearly marked crosswalks to ensure pedestrian safety; and
Whereas, Other features of the complete streets policy may include planting trees and landscaping to improve roadway aesthetics, as well as building parks for community interaction; and
Whereas, The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) adopted a complete streets policy in 2009; and
Whereas, The DOT strongly encourages local jurisdictions that apply for funding through the local aid program to adopt complete streets policies; and
Whereas, Municipalities that implement a complete streets policy may be eligible for DOT grants to help implement the policy; and
Whereas, Implementation of a complete streets policy enhances mobility and accessibility by improving the quality and availability of connections between residences, schools, parks, public transportation, offices, and retail destinations; and
Whereas, The connections listed above help to encourage livability and walkability which, in turn, help to develop a sense of community; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper, and in the public interest, for this House to respectfully urge municipalities to implement a complete streets policy in order to improve the quality of life in communities across this State; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House respectfully urges municipalities to implement a complete streets policy in order to improve the quality of life in communities across this State.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the mayor or chief executive of each municipality in this State.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges municipalities to implement complete streets policies in order to improve the quality of life in communities across this State. The "complete streets" policy is a way to provide safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities to be able to move along and across streets using a comprehensive, integrated, and connected multi-modal network of transportation options.
