Thursday 8/29’s press event with State Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblymember Jon Rivera was a major boost in our effort to place urgency on the effort to transform our streets into safer and healthier ones than we have today.

This is why we need urgency in solving this problem:

Watch the entire press event here:

 

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We want to extend a special thank you to Regina Bowden, mother of Wyatt Lopez, the 12-year-old boy who was launched over 85 feet when he was struck by a drunk driver. He was walking home with his friends from Centennial Pool, using the crosswalk when the light indicated he could go, and it was only mid afternoon. He’s lucky to be alive, and will spend months learning to walk again when his pelvis heals. Regina’s words at the podium, and later to Channel 7 encompass this entire movement. We’re grateful for her courage, and we wish Wyatt the best in his recovery. The driver who hit Wyatt did not have insurance. His GoFundMe to support his family through this is still active.

There are multiple bills, many of which include WNY sponsors (Sean Ryan, Jon Rivera, Karen McMahon, Rob Ortt) that can increase safety, and they make up this year’s legislative priorities from New York State Safe Streets Coalition, of which GObike is a member.

Review them all here, and then call your elected state representative and express your support. Demand their passage.

So many of these bills discuss the design and construction of COMPLETE STREETS. Beyond prioritizing all users ahead of car speed, what do Complete Streets look like?

Learn about them here they are from NACTO – The National Association of City Transportation Officials.