November 2020 Newsletter
2021 Legislative Priorities
This time last year Bike Walk CT was starting to plan an in-person legislative reception at the State Capitol to introduce 2020 discussions on state legislation priorities. It was a wonderful event on January 30, 2020 and the legislative process was underway. By March, though, things were reduced and then cut short by COVID-19, and numerous planned legislative activities toward decision-making didn’t happen for the 2020 session.

The 2021 legislative session will be starting the first week of January and going into early June. It isn’t yet clear how the session will work, how much will be in person, etc. There will be the need and opportunity to advance important legislative priorities. The priorities in 2020 included pedestrian safety in crosswalks, local speed limits, distracted driving, traffic impact studies, a greenways account, trail bonding, and others.

Between now and the end of December Bike Walk CT will be working on the 2021 legislative priorities. And we would like to hear from you. Please email your ideas to bikewalkct@bikewalkct.org. If you would like to discuss by phone, please include your phone number in your note.
2020 Multimodal and Transit Summit
Join the Multimodal and Transit Summit on Monday, November 23 from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm (EST). As we recover from a global pandemic that has changed so many things about our lives and work, we are working together to ensure that the region’s transportation systems are sustainable, safe, and equitable.

On November 17, prior to the summit, join Sustainable CT, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Transport Hartford, Bike Walk CT and others for a Walk Audit Training. We will be discussing how to conduct walkability audits in your community (eligible for points in the Sustainable CT transportation category). The workshop is free, but registration is required.
Do Jaywalking Laws Make Streets Safer?
Angie Schmitt and Charles T. Brown, writing for Bloomberg CityLab, certainly don't think so. Schmitt and Brown argue, among other things, that (1) jaywalking is a made up concept created by auto companies, (2) the concept of jaywalking encourages drivers to be aggressive toward pedestrians, and for third parties to ignore or excuse pedestrian deaths, and (3) our streets are not designed to make walking safe or convenient. Read more or catch Angie Schmitt on November 23 at the Multimodal and Transit Summit where she is a Keynote Speaker.

More on Equity, Race, and Walking

Support Bike Walk CT
Help Bike Walk Connecticut make our streets safer. Most of our funding comes from individuals, and your support is critical. We have switched to a new database and online donation platform, and you can easily track your information. If you are able, please make a donation or join as a member today. We are hoping to host activities again in 2021.
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