February 5, 2014 Chairman Brian Joyce Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets State House, Room 109D Boston, MA 02133 Re: Support for Inclusion of Active Streets in Transportation Bond Bill

Dear Chairman Joyce: WalkBoston writes to urge you to support the “Active Streets Certification Program” that is included in the Transportation Bond Bill that was recently passed by the House (H3882). Senator Harriette Chandler and Representative Jason Lewis (S68/H3091) filed a version of this language as standalone legislation. As Massachusetts’ leading pedestrian advocacy organization, WalkBoston works with communities across the state to help them create a safer and more convenient walking environment for their residents. We see very strong interest in walking in urban, suburban and rural municipalities, and we also see communities that are having a difficult time designing and investing in sidewalks and walkways. The program created under this proposal would encourage communities to build streets and roads that accommodate walking, bicycling and transit use – a.k.a. “Complete Streets” – by creating a small grant program for which they would become eligible after passing a Complete Streets bylaw or ordinance in addition to taking several other actions. The presence of improved walkways and bicycle facilities encourages an active, healthy lifestyle and reduces auto dependency. In addition to health benefits, Complete Streets can boost the local economy supporting local business districts and increasing property values. While some cities and towns in Massachusetts have already taken steps to implement Complete Streets, this program would provide the necessary incentives and support to encourage even more cities and towns do so. Thank you very much for your consideration of our request. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns, 617-368-9255 or [email protected] Best regards, Wendy Landman Executive Director

By Courtney Goldberg, Communications and Outreach Manager

 Last month, shared commuters earned a huge win from the state legislature.

On January 29th, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill to fund the Active Streets or Complete Streets program. The passage granted $50 million over 5 years to the program as part of the Transportation Bond Bill.

  The Active Streets program makes it easier to walk, bike or take public transit across the Commonwealth. It was created in part to support a public health goal set by MassDOT—to triple the number of commuters who travel on foot or by bicycle by 2030.

 The program encourages cities and towns across the state to routinely include Complete Streets design elements and infrastructure in locally funded road projects. Support for this program included advocacy to improve both the public health and the local economies in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Biking and/or walking to work encourages commuters to visit local establishments, which helps to create and retain jobs and increase real estate values. Additionally, by taking your commute out of the car and into the fresh air with roads safely paved for walkers and bikers, residents’ quality if life will be improved.

 The Active Streets program garnered strong support among groups such as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council who, among others, lobbied diligently for the program’s funding over the past year.

 The bill now moves to the State Senate for its approval. You can track the development of this legislation via Twitter using the Hashtag #ActiveSts. We will also post developments on our website.

By Courtney Goldberg, Communications Manager

 Last Wednesday, shared commuters earned a huge win from the state legislature.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill to fund the Active Streets or Complete Streets program. The passage granted $50 million over 5 years to the program as part of the Transportation Bond Bill.

The Active Streets program makes it easier to walk, bike or take public transit across the Commonwealth. It was created in part to support a public health goal set by MassDOT—to triple the number of commuters who travel on foot or by bicycle by 2030.

 The program encourages cities and towns across the state to routinely include Complete Streets design elements and infrastructure in locally funded road projects. Support for this program included advocacy to improve both the public health and the local economies in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Biking and/or walking to work encourages commuters to visit local establishments, which helps to create and retain jobs and increase real estate values. Additionally, by taking your commute out of the car and into the fresh air with roads safely paved for walkers and bikers, residents’ quality if life will be improved.

 The Active Streets program garnered strong support among groups such as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council who, among others, lobbied diligently for the program’s funding over the past year.

 The bill now moves to the State Senate for its approval. You can track the development of this legislation via Twitter using the Hashtag #ActiveSts. We will also post developments on our website.

By Courtney Goldberg, Communications Manager

Last Wednesday, shared commuters earned a huge win from the state legislature.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill to fund the Active Streets or Complete Streets program. The passage granted $50 million over 5 years to the program as part of the Transportation Bond Bill.

 The Active Streets program makes it easier to walk, bike or take public transit across the Commonwealth. It was created in part to support a public health goal set by MassDOT—to triple the number of commuters who travel on foot or by bicycle by 2030.

 The program encourages cities and towns across the state to routinely include Complete Streets design elements and infrastructure in locally funded road projects. Support for this program included advocacy to improve both the public health and the local economies in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Biking and/or walking to work encourages commuters to visit local establishments, which helps to create and retain jobs and increase real estate values. Additionally, by taking your commute out of the car and into the fresh air with roads safely paved for walkers and bikers, residents’ quality if life will be improved.

 The Active Streets program garnered strong support among groups such as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council who, among others, lobbied diligently for the program’s funding over the past year.

 The bill now moves to the State Senate for its approval. You can track the development of this legislation via Twitter using the Hashtag #ActiveSts. We will also post developments on our website.