Biking and Walking Resolution
by Assemblyman Joe Nation Passes Legislature
Sacramento: Assembly Concurrent Resolution 211 (ACR 211), authored by Assemblyman Joe Nation (D-San Rafael), to improve biking and walking infrastructure along local roads, was enacted today by the California State Legislature after hearings in the Assembly and Senate.
Assemblymember Joe Nation (D-San Rafael) introduced ACR 211 on May 16, 2002 in honor of California Bike to Work Day. ACR 211 encourages cities and counties to implement the policies of Caltrans' Deputy Directive 64 and the U.S. Department of Transportation's design guidance document on integrating bicycling and walking when making road improvements.
"The state has improved its policies regarding integrating walking and biking when transportation infrastructure is built or improved, but many cities and counties in California lag behind," said Assemblyman Nation. "Hopefully, ACR 211 will encourage local governments to make local roads more accessible for walking and biking."
ACR 211 asks local governments to "fully consider the needs of non-motorized travelers (including pedestrians, bicyclists and person with disabilities) in all programming, planning, maintenance, construction, operations, and project development activities and projects." The resolution also states that bicycling and walking contribute to cleaner air, encourage physical activity, provide for alternative transportation, help to safeguard California's coast from offshore oil drilling, and enhance California's energy independence and national security by reducing our reliance upon imported oil.
"ACR 211 will help our streets become people-friendly," said Ken Eichstaedt, civil engineer and President of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. "Roadway construction should always include bike lanes and sidewalks whenever possible. To do this, City Public Works Departments must design streets starting with the sidewalk, building in the bike lanes, and then planning for auto traffic. Too often, the bike lanes and sidewalk get left out, or are an afterthought that cost more money later."
The measure was sponsored by the California Bicycle Coalition, and received support from the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Sierra Club and a number of other environmental and biking groups.
Contact: Debbie Hubsmith, Marin County Bicycle Coalition (415) 456-3469
