RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION FOR FREEDOM OF TRANSPORTATION FOR ALL

WHEREAS, the right to walk is a basic human right, the exercise of which in the built environment of our cities requires responsibly designed public infrastructure;

WHEREAS, sidewalks and trails that link destinations benefit everyone

• by providing freedom of transportation with dignity to all, regardless of age, disability or income, including those who cannot drive, cannot afford to drive or choose not to drive,
  
• by reducing vehicular traffic congestion and pollution because they make public transportation more practical for more people,
  
• by making the city a healthier, safer, and more pleasant place for residents and visitors to enjoy together, and
  
• by increasing property values and access to jobs;

WHEREAS, walking and bicycling are increasingly popular 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, the failure to consider the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists in street and roadway planning has led to less access, faster motor traffic, and greater distances between destinations and in turn to needless pollution, inconvenience, isolation, poverty, injury, and death;

AND WHEREAS, the failure to promptly and diligently fund, design and build urgently needed sidewalks has needlessly prolonged the hazard to all and tragic loss of many lives;

RESOLVED: The Democratic Party urges all public officials and private developers to act now to build better communities by conscientiously providing and adequately maintaining a continuous network of sidewalks, trails and safe and accessible crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists, and to make sidewalks and trails wheelchair friendly.

FURTHER RESOLVED: The Democratic urges all elected and appointed public officials and the transportation departments of all jurisdictions to:

• fund sidewalk and trail construction and maintenance adequately by promptly committing and using funds already approved by voters, and to cease diverting such funds to build more motor-vehicle-only roadways,
  
• employ professional staff to be accountable and responsible for sidewalks and pedestrian safety,
  
• appoint pedestrian citizen advisory committees and fully implement a public program and a pedestrian plan so that pedestrian concerns are explored and accommodations integrated with all transportation systems planning,
  
• pass stronger laws and ensure swift enforcement of traffic laws that protect pedestrians and bicyclists from accidents,
  
• foster collaboration among community volunteers, private industry, small businesses and other governments to plan, build and maintain sidewalks and trails and develop inexpensive alternatives,
  
• encourage sidewalk and trail building and maintenance with tax abatements, fast permitting, prestige and other incentives,
  
• strengthen and vigorously enforce zoning and contractual requirements for construction, maintenance and uninterrupted public access, and
  
• raise awareness of the importance and contribution of walking and bicycling to community life and transportation systems among planners, engineers, architects, designers, developers, contractors, business owners and the general public.