Dominic,
I was disappointed to see the press release use the word "accident" when
"crash" or "incident" would have been more accurate. The Thunderhead
Alliance certainly knows better, and Thunderhead's press release writer, or
perhaps a writer in Senator Harkin's office, should be educated about the
difference between a death caused by a random chance "accident" and one
caused by negligence. If a statistical breakdown showing the number of
ped/bike deaths due to bad luck vs. negligence is unavailable, then
journalistic integrity demands use of fair language. The words "crash" and
"incident" are both neutral, each lacking an assumption of and are therefore
much better choices. Using "accident" lets the majority of (inattentive,
drunken, or malicious) vehicle operators off the hook. Using "accident" also
minimizes our cause! (If 7,400 bicyclist deaths were "accidents" this
pre-judges the situation making engineering changes and social education
subject to arguments of "fate" or "random chance" - no matter what mortals
may do, "acts of god" and "accidents" will happen, ergo, Complete Streets is
a waste of taxpayer money.)
I fully support the concept of Complete Streets and am happy to see our
bicycle advocate in Washington, Senator Harkin, promoting this legislation.
This is just a comment about the press release language.
Thank you.
George Perkins
Madison, WI
****************
For Immediate Release:
March 3, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Mullin / Semonti Mustaphi (202) 224-3254
HARKIN INTRODUCES BILL TO MAKE ROADS
SAFE FOR EVERYONE
To reduce accidents, legislation will create `Complete Streets´ to keep
motorists, transit vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe
Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced The Complete
Streets Act of 2008, which would work to promote the design of streets that
are safe
for all of those using the street- including motorists, bus riders,
bicyclists, and
pedestrians, including people with disabilities. Between 1993 and 2003,
nearly
52,000 pedestrians and more than 7,400 bicyclists were killed in road
accidents;
studies show that the designing streets with pedestrians in mind may reduce
pedestrian risk by as much as 28 percent. Harkin was joined in this effort
by Senator
Tom Carper (D-DE).
"Making our streets bike and pedestrian friendly is a win-win for us all,"
said
Harkin. "It not only promotes healthier lifestyles, it lowers the amount of
traffic
congestion that many people deal with every day."
A recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that providing
more travel
options, including public transportation, bicycling and walking facilities,
is an
important element in reducing traffic congestion. The study reported that
congestion
was responsible for an annual $78.2 billion loss in fuel during traffic jams
in 2005,
an increase from $57.6 billion in 2000.
Also, as recently as 30 years ago, up to 70 percent of children were walking
or riding
bikes to school. Currently, the number has dropped to only 10 percent.
Parents
report that traffic safety is the main reason they do not permit their
children to walk
or bike to school. This legislation will make our environment more inviting
for
physical activity, especially for kids.
Harkin´s proposal has been endorsed by:AARP, America Bikes, America Walks,
American Council of the Blind, American Planning Association, American
Public
Transportation Association, American Society of Landscape Architects,
Association
of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, League of America Bicyclists,
National
Center for Bicycling and Walking, Safe Routes to School National
Partnership,
Smart Growth America, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, Thunderhead
Alliance, and Rails to Trails Conservancy.
Dominic J. Liberatore
Interim Executive Director
The Thunderhead Alliance
www.thunderheadalliance.org/join
Cell: 614-204-4628
Washington, DC Office: 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 400, 20006-4707
202-349-1479
AOL IM Dctea21man
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