RESOLUTION

Balancing Growth & Quality of life with Sidewalks, Trails and Bike Lanes

WHEREAS, sidewalks symbolize community in cities and help create community and neighborhoods by allowing urban neighbors not only safe transportation on foot or on bicycles, in strollers, or in wheelchairs, but are important places where people can meet informally with family and friends, creating a collective presence that makes streets safer from crime; and

WHEREAS, sidewalks and trails that link destinations are infrastructure that benefits everyone,

• by allowing freedom of transportation with dignity to all, regardless of age, disability or income status, including those who cannot drive, cannot afford or choose not to drive,
• by making roadways less crowded because public transportation is more practical for more people where sidewalks allow safe trips near work, shops, school, or other destinations, thereby reducing vehicular traffic congestion and pollution, and
• by making the city an inviting and pleasant public place for residents and visitors to enjoy which promotes economic growth, increases property value; and

WHEREAS, walking and bicycling are growing in popularity and importance as transportation options and recreational activities, and well-designed, continuous, connected sidewalks with safe crossings are highly valued as a result wherever they exist, and

WHEREAS, NONETHELESS, pedestrians, bicyclists and the sidewalks and trails they need have been omitted in past decades from planning and building developments; and street layouts with less direct access, wider roadways, faster motor speeds, and greater distances between destinations do not address the needs of walkers and result in needless inconvenience, injury, death, pollution, and isolation.

THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT ____________________________ admonishes all elected and appointed officials and other public servants to build a better community by providing for the needs of people who walk, especially children, elderly, others on foot or in wheelchairs, as well as bicyclists and transit patrons. Ensure that a continuous network of sidewalks and trails is built and maintained that provides pleasant and convenient transportation choices that benefit community, public health and safety.

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED THAT _____________________________ urges all citizens and public servants of all appropriate jurisdictions in the region to:

• fund sidewalks and trail construction and maintenance adequately and promptly commit and use funds already approved by voters,
• employ professional staff to be accountable and responsible for sidewalks and pedestrian safety, appoint a pedestrian citizen advisory committee, and implement both a public program and a pedestrian plan so that pedestrian concerns are explored and accommodations integrated with transportation systems planning,
• pass stronger laws and ensure swift enforcement of traffic laws that protect pedestrians and bicyclists from accidents,
• actively foster collaboration with community volunteers, private industry, small businesses and other governments to plan, build and maintain sidewalks and trails and develop inexpensive alternatives,
• implement adequate pedestrian facilities with a system of incentives for cooperation that offers tax abatements, fast permitting, prestige and other incentives. Require forfeiture of variances and tax abatements, tax increases and penalties for property owners who violate zoning and requirements for sidewalk and trail construction and maintenance or who illegally block public use,
• educate and encourage a greater awareness of the importance and contribution of walking and bicycling to community life and transportation among planners, engineers, architects, designers, developers, contractors, business owners and especially the general public.