Fifty years ago, Oregon led the nation in supporting safe access to biking and walking, enshrined in what was dubbed the “Bike Bill”. Achieving that vision to provide safe routes demands increased investment as the Oregon Department of Transportation calculates it will take over 150 years at current funding levels. Now is the time for us to pass SB 395 to make good on our promises and achieve our vision of safer streets for all.
Senate Bill 395 will provide for the future by of walking and biking in Oregon by:
● Increasing the share of state highway funds invested in walking and biking from
1% to 5%.
● Expanding the requirement for investments in walking and biking to include road
resurfacing projects.
● Exempting small projects where the cost of walking and biking improvements
would exceed 20% of the total project.
● Ensuring transparency through an annual report on the use of these funds.
We urge legislators to act now for the future of our state. This legislation will provide
clear benefits for people across Oregon.
We encourage you to share your support for SB395 by contacting your State Senator and Representative to let them know how the Safe Routes for All Bill would support your access to safe biking and walking routes.
The timeline for submitting your testimony is 3/3-3/5. Click here to share yours!
Here is a letter of support that you can use to write to your representatives:
Dear Members of the Joint Transportation Committee,
Fifty years ago, Oregon led the nation in supporting safe access to biking and walking, enshrined in what was dubbed the “Bike Bill.”
Achieving that vision to provide safe routes demands increased investment as the Oregon Department of Transportation calculates it would take over 150 years to complete Oregon’s Bike/Ped Master plans at current funding levels.
Now is the time to pass the Safe Routes for All act (SB 395) and make good on our promises and achieve our vision for safer streets for all.
<INSERT YOUR TESTIMONY HERE>
SB 395 will provide:
– Increased share of state highway funds invested in walking and biking from 1% to 5%
– Expanding the requirement for investments in walking and biking to include road resurfacing projects
– Exempt small projects where costs of walking and biking improvements would exceed 20% of the total project
– Ensure transparency through an annual report on the use of funds
Safe Routes for All will have clear benefits:
– Increased safety for those walking and rolling
– Equitable access to safe ways to walk and roll, including for BIPOC Communities, older adults, and students
– Economic boost to our state and local economies
– Reduced traffic congestion and carbon emissions
– Greater connectivity to Oregon’s beautiful natural spaces
Please vote YES on SB 395, and let’s build Safe Routes for all Oregonians.
Sincerely,
<YOUR NAME>