On May 18, Governor Shumlin signed the Complete Streets bill into law in front of a packed house in the Statehouse.  Watching the event were many instrumental in the bill's passage -- Senator Dick Mazza, AARP's Jim Leddy, Senator Bill Doyle, Rep. Mollie Burke, Rep. Pat Brennan, and AARP's Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur.

The bill will "ensure that the needs of all users of VT’s transportation system—including motorists, bicyclists, public transportation users, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities—are considered in all...transportation projects."  Thanks to LM members who spoke up!

Thanks to AARP and Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur for leading this important campaign, Local Motion members who sent letters of support,  Statehouse Transportation Committee Chairs Dick Mazza and Pat Brennan who helped guide this important bill through, VT Bike & Pedestrian Coalition and all the bill's 28 co-sponsors.  Read AARP's press release here.

Among other things, this bill should help reverse Vermont's declining bike-friendliness ranking from the League of American Bicyclists.  Among the 50 states, Vermont ranked 17th when the ranking started three years ago.  In 2010, we fell to 34th.  This bill, along with the Safe Passing Bill last session (thanks to the VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition), should boost Vermont's ranking.

Thanks to Silver Spokes rider Dick Aiken, Earl's Cyclery owner Roger Frey and Silver Spokes rider Steve Couzelis who volunteered their time to attend the signing.  Thanks also to Local Motion members who support us in working on these important issues!  Keep the good work going, join today!

Thanks also to the National Complete Streets Coalition.