Make streets safe for all the people using them

Our nation's transportation infrastructure is in dire need of an overhaul. Between 1993 and 2003, nearly 52,000 pedestrians and more than 7,400 bicyclists were killed in road accidents. Studies show that designing streets with pedestrians in mind may reduce pedestrian risk by as much as 28 percent.

Unfortunately, many of the people most hurt by inadequate roads and transportation choices are older Americans. A recent AARP poll found that 47 percent of Americans over age 50 said they could not safely cross main roads near their homes. Lack of access to safe streets, roads and public transportation undermines the health and well-being of older Americans.

I am very happy to know that one of our New Jersey congressmen, Albio Sires, is cosponsoring the Complete Streets Act, which will ensure that future transportation investments promote "complete streets" — streets that are safe for all of the people using them —including motorists, bus riders, pedestrians, and cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Americans of all ages deserve safe streets and accessible transportation choices. My thanks go to Congressman Sires for his leadership role in championing this legislation and showing his understanding of the safety needs of older adults in their own communities.
Janine Bauer
AARP Advocate for
Transportation
Princeton