Two New NY Laws Aim to Support All Roadway Users

Rockland Daily Staff 

Just before the new year's start, the governor signed two pieces of legislation to support all roadway users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, and motorists.

The new laws support municipal "Complete Streets" projects and transit board representation. 

Complete Streets projects will increase funding to provide safe and convenient access and mobility to all roadway users. According to the governor's office, this transition will also "contribute to a cleaner, greener transportation system."

Transit Board representation "will require the non-voting transit dependent representative be moved into a voting position on various transportation authorities' boards." This will provide an essential voice to riders who rely on services like bike shares, buses, and paratransit and aims to improve governance with these authorities. 

"In a region like ours, in which transportation is mostly focused on personal car ownership," New York Assemblymember Jonathan D. Rivera commented,  "it is imperative we craft long-term solutions for those who remain unable to drive. Many of the decisions regarding the re-routing and terminating of bus services, and the increasing of rates, have been made without input or representation from those directly affected. This bill will give a voice to the disabled community by allowing them a direct say in all matters related to our region's public transportation progress."