A comprehensive plan that state Rep. Pam Byrnes says will make streets, sidewalks and transit stops safer and more accessible was signed into law today by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Pam Byrnes
The Complete Streets legislation, sponsored by Byrnes, D-Lyndon Township, and Jon Switalski, D-Warren, ensures that future transportation plans statewide take into consideration the needs of all users of the roads, including pedestrians, bicyclists, seniors, people with disabilities and children.
"We all benefit by having safe roads, sidewalks and bike paths everyone can use and enjoy," Byrnes, chairwoman of the House Transportation Committee, said in a statement. "I'm pleased we were able to get this Complete Streets legislation signed into law — it'll promote healthier lifestyles and encourage people to visit our local businesses and communities using cleaner forms of transportation."
Under the lawmakers' plan, the Michigan Department of Transportation now will be required to consider all users of the roads in all phases of road project planning, developing and constructing. The plan will also encourage local units of government to consider Complete Streets principles when updating their master plans.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
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Legislature approves 'Complete Streets' plan to improve transportation for pedestrians and bicyclists
The Michigan House and Senate today passed the "Complete Streets" legislation, a plan sponsored by state Reps. Pam Byrnes, D-Lyndon Township, and Jon Switalski, D-Warren. The two lawmakers said the legislation is designed to ensure ...
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