WDEF News 12

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The price of gas these days has more people looking for alternative ways to travel, besides driving. Lawmakers want to make our roadways safer for those who are not behind the wheel. Locals say the national effort couldn't come at a better time.

Bob Connelly, Cyclist, "We try to get on the bikes probably three four times a week."

In his quest to rack up 4,000 miles per year, Bob Connelly rides into some obstacles.

Connelly, "I can't say that I feel real safe. They do have some bike lanes designated but a lot of them are on roads that I'm not sure I'd want to get on with cars."

While he commends Chattanooga, pointing to Louisville Kentucky, he sees room for improvement.

Connelly, "They really do things right there as far as cycling. The downtown is just full of bike lanes they've got wide shoulders and the people you see them everywhere riding."

A bill in Congress aims to help communities keep bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and the rest of the one third of Americans who don't drive, safe on the roadways.

Philip Pugliese, Outdoor Chattanooga, "It's really all about mobility. As we've seen with higher gas prices people now are finally seeing that maybe just driving their car isn't the best most economical choice for them but at the same time the facilities have to be there for them to use other options."

Outdoor Chattanooga's Philip Pugliese says it's easy to find roads like parts of Brainerd and Highway 58 that seem to be designed to put pedestrians in danger.

Lewis Hambrick, CARTA Rider, " I think that they need a little bit more, a little bit more sidewalks."

The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2008 would provide a guide for communities to use as they build or retrofit roads with federal dollars.

Connelly, "I think Chattanooga is going in the right direction."

Keeping folks like Bob Connelly safer on two wheels or none.

One study found designing streets with all users in mind could decrease pedestrian risk by nearly 30 percent.

Besides safer streets, the act aims to reduce congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions and, promote healthier lifestyles.

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