Congressman Cohen, Senator Markey Reintroduce the Complete Streets Act

WASHINGTON -- Representative Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today reintroduced the Complete Streets Act, which would transform America's public roads. The bill would require states to direct a portion of their federal highway funding toward the creation of a Complete Streets Program. A "Complete Street" provides safe and accessible transportation options for children, seniors, and people with disabilities by prioritizing infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users. The bill would also require that future construction projects on public roads are designed for the safety of all its road users.

"In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles, especially in Memphis. Our country is seeing a national safety crisis on our roads. We need streets that can accommodate all means of transportation, from foot traffic and strollers to bicycles, scooters, cars, light trucks and 18-wheelers. The Complete Streets Act will transform communities and make it safer for everyone to make 'complete' use of our roadways and adjacent infrastructure," said Congressman Cohen.

"The skyrocketing number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths in our country is a crisis. This moment calls for us to ensure our roads are designed with safety - not speed - as our top priority," said Senator Markey. "I am grateful for Representative Cohen's partnership to ensure we prioritize roadway safety and accessibility over a reliance on fast, fossil-fueled vehicles. Let's build complete streets and complete communities and accelerate into a safer, more accessible future for all."

The Complete Streets Act, is being co-led by Representatives Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, Adriano Espaillat of New York, Valerie Foushee of North Carolina, and Dina Titus of Nevada. It is being cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico.

Representative Auchincloss made the following statement:

"Cities should be built for humans, not cars. Walkable streets are safer, better for business, and more enjoyable for children and families. Promoting walkability should be a bipartisan priority for the next infrastructure bill."

Representative Titus made the following statement:

"Tragically, 2024 was the deadliest year on Clark County roads with almost 300 traffic fatalities. As we work to connect communities through investments in transportation projects, we must also create safe roadways for all motorists and pedestrians. The Complete Streets Act promotes safety, accessibility, and climate-friendly infrastructure while helping communities build safe streets through projects like protected bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, and more accessible roadway."

Representative Foushee made the following statement:

"Whether by car, bus, bike, or on foot, every person deserves to feel safe while traveling on our roadways. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Complete Streets Act, which will help build safer, more inclusive streets that serve all road users. By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we can give our cities and towns the tools they need to prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of life for all within our communities."

Under the Complete Streets Act, eligible local and regional entities can use funds from their state's Complete Streets Program for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe street projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. The legislation would also phase in a requirement for states to incorporate Complete Streets elements into all new construction and reconstruction.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Complete Streets Coalition, Transportation for America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, GreenLatinos, and the League of American Bicyclists.

Senator Markey and Representative Cohen first introduced the Complete Streets Actin 2019. Elements of the Complete Streets Act were incorporated into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which was signed into law in 2021.

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