Advocacy

Issue Brief: Building Safer Streets Act

THE ISSUE

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) supports legislation that creates multi-modal transportation systems that are safe, efficient, beautiful, ecologically sensitive, convenient, address climate change, support public health, and serve all people and modes of transportation.

Currently, many transportation policies, regulations, and design guides prevent transportation professionals from planning and designing rights-of-way that are safe for all users, resulting in increased fatalities and injuries. ASLA and its members work to update policies, regulations, and design guides that lead to safe rights-of-way for all users. ASLA is a founding member of the National Complete Streets Coalition whose mission is to promote the development and implementation of policies and professional practices that ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.

Background

Transportation corridors and facilities are major components of the nation’s landscape and public realm that connect, shape, and transform our communities. Transportation infrastructure is a vital part of public life, connecting individuals to families and friends, jobs and businesses, education, and recreation. Additionally, multimodal transportation systems reduce reliance on single-use automotive transport, which in turn reduces traffic, improves air quality, reduces carbon emissions, decreases vehicle wildlife collisions, and promotes a sustainable way of life.

While driving has decreased, the number of people injured and fatalities due to walking and bicycling incidents is at a record high – mainly due to outdated and poorly designed transportation infrastructure. The elderly and residents of low-income neighborhoods are at an increased risk of preventable incidents compared to individuals in other communities.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) plays a critical role in transportation infrastructure as it contains the national standards governing all traffic control devices, including setting minimum standards, providing guidance, and ensuring uniformity of traffic control devices across the nation. While the most recent version of the MUTCD includes some updates to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and road users, updated and improved design standards and guidelines are needed to effectively improve transportation infrastructure and make our streets safer for all.

Landscape architects are uniquely qualified to implement innovative design standards and interpret the MUTCD to create safe, accessible, and equitable active transportation networks. Landscape architects plan and design multimodal transportation projects in a manner that protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare, while also addressing other community needs.

Bill Summary

On November 7, 2023, Senator John Fetterman (PA) introduced S. 3246, the Building Safer Streets Act. This measure would update regulations, including the MUTCD, to improve street infrastructure that prioritizes multimodal development and pedestrian safety.

Specifically, the Act would:
  • Update the MUTCD to require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on how transportation professionals use the MUTCD.
  • Update federal design standards and guidelines to consider surrounding land use of roads or highways.
  • Provide design guidance regarding transit facilities and associated roadway design that considers safety, accessibility, and equity.
  • Provide design guidance for multimodal streets while considering the distinct needs of urban, rural, and suburban roads.
  • Prioritize designs that ensure all users have access to safe, comfortable, reliable, and healthy transportation options.
  • Direct the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop recommended categorical design exceptions for multimodal projects and features.
  • Update the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program to provide a minimum amount of dedicated funding to small and rural communities.
Recent Action

On November 7, 2023, S. 3246 was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sponsors
Senator John Fetterman (PA), and cosponsors.

Resources   

Senator John Fetterman (PA) Press Release: Fetterman Introduces Bill to Make American Streets Safer. November 8, 2023.  

 

U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Hearings—Understanding Roadway Safety: Examining the Causes of Roadway Safety Challenges and Possible Interventions. November 7, 2023.  

  

X: Senator John Fetterman Highlights from U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Hearings—Understanding Roadway Safety: Examining the Causes of Roadway Safety Challenges and Possible Interventions. November 7, 2023.  

  

StreetsblogUSA: New Bill Would Finally Rewrite the ‘Notorious’ MUTCD for Vulnerable Road User Safety. November 15, 2023.  

  

The Bradford Era: Fetterman introduces bill to make American streets safer. November 9, 2023.  

  

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program  

  

National Complete Streets Coalition  

  

Dangerous by Design 2024 report  

  

Letter to FHWA – Landscape architects are competent to interpret the MUTCD  

  

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)  

  

U.S. Access Board Issues Final Rule on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines  

  

ASLA Sustainable Transportation Guide  

 


Related ASLA Policies

Livable Communities

Transportation Corridors and Facilities

Urban Growth and Development

Contact

Roxanne Blackwell, 
Esq., Hon. ASLA,
Director of Federal
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

Elizabeth Hebron,
Director of State
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

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