Monthly Archives for May 2012

Complete Streets Legislation Stalled in House Committee

Published May 19. 2012, Pawtucket Times

            A properly designed road system helpsolder Rhode Islanders to successfully “age in place” and stay safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as they choose. But the benefits of so-called Complete Streets design benefits people regardless of age, abilities or mode of transportation.  AARP Rhode Island has joined a broad-based coalition of 17 aging, health and transportation groups and smart growth advocates to push state policy makers into making the Ocean State’s streets, highways and byways more accessible and safer for all users. Out of 2,111 legislative proposals submitted this year for consideration by the Rhode Island General Assembly, H 7352 and S 2131, its companion measure in the Senate, would accomplish this lofty goal.

          Coalition members fear that their efforts to make sure that the state’s transportation infrastructure becomes more user friendly for all ages and abilities is in jeopardy with the House Committee on Municipal Government which has held H 7352 for further study.  While the Senate passed the companion measure (for the second year in a row) last month, this House Committee might just kill the legislation unless it can be resuscitated. 

The Details of H 7352

            The legislationwould require that whenever the state is building or modifying a road, planners and designers must consider Complete Streets design concepts – that is, considering safe travel by all users, current and projected, particularly pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and mobility capabilities.  Features of Complete Streetsdesign include sidewalks, paved shoulders suitable for use by bicyclists, lane striping, bicycle lanes, “share the road” signage, “road diets” (narrower lanes to discourage speeding and leave room  for pedestrians and bicyclists), roundabouts, crosswalks, pedestrian control signalization, bus pull-outs, curb cuts, raised crosswalks and ramps and traffic-calming measures.

            Meanwhile, this legislation allows common-sense exceptions, such as on interstate highways, where pedestrians and bicyclists are prohibited, and on projects where the space is too limited or costs would be disproportionate to the use such features would likely get.

            Furthermore, this legislation also requires the State’s Department of Transportation to issue a report within two years detailing what it has done to comply with the law, how it has changed its guidelines on such features as lane width, design speed and more, and what best practices the agency has employed.  It would also be required to include information on exceptions made, and why they were made.

            In a press release touting the passage of S 2131, bill sponsor, Senator Louis P. DiPalma, noted that the legislation’s goal is to plan streets that encourage people to use healthy, greener, transportation modes whenever possible, contributing in their own health as well as the wellbeing of the environment.

            “Cars shouldn’t be the only consideration when public roads are being built.  The health and environmental benefits of walking, bicycling and other active modes of transportation are well know, and we should be building our roads in ways that are safe for those activities and encourage people to choose them,” said Senator DiPalma.

Pushing for Safer Roads, Highways and Byways

            In her testimony before the House Committee on Municipal Government, AARP State Director Kathleen Connellsaid the goal of H 7352 is to direct the Department of Transportation  to plan with all users in mind.  “Making it easier for older people to get around is an obvious reason we’re involved, but Complete Streets design promotes public safety, helps revive our towns and cities and increases property value,” she said.

            Molly Clark, Manager, Health Promotion and Public Advocacy for the American Lung Association, also testifying to support H 7352, predicted that Complete Streets design that would promote walking and bicycling and this would ultimately improve the health of Rhode Islanders.

             Also attending the Committee Hearing, Co-Chair John Flaherty, of the Coalition for Transportation Choices, advocated for 21st century transportation system “that’s good for the economy, good for the environment and that provides clean, healthy and affordable transportation choices for all Rhode Islanders.”

            There is no fiscal note estimating the true costs of H 7352 due to the multitude of factors that must be considered.  However, bill supporters believe that this legislative proposal does not necessarily add costs to the road construction project.

            Addressing concerns about the legislative proposals “possible” fiscal impact on the State’s budget, Senator DiPalma notes that H 7352 has been crafted in such a way to reduce the fears of fellow lawmakers that there could be initial and future costs if the legislation is enacted.  Provisions would protect the state’s coffers by requiring common sense exceptions to take effect if a road construction design project incurs a cost that is disproportional to its benefits, he says.

It’s All About the Economy

            Doing it right the first time makes economic sense,” says AARP Associate Director for Advocacy Deanna Casey.

             Enacting H 7352 is just good economic policy, adds Scott Wolf, Executive Director of Grow Smart Rhode Island.  According to Wolf, “forRhode Islandto thrive economically it needs to attract and retain talented young people. These people, research shows, are looking for places that are vibrant, user friendly and possess an abundant natural and architectural beauty.” 

            Wolf stated “Rhode Island has many of these ingredients but we need to be much more user friendly with regard to transit, walk ability and bike ability to maximize our appeal to this new segment of workers. He added, “Adopting an aggressive complete street strategy that requires all roads built to accommodate bikes, pedestrians, and mass transit as well as autos could do a lot to increase our appeal to this critical cadre of mobile young talented workers.”   

             In these tough economic times usually a price tag on a legislative proposal is just enough for General Assembly leadership to doom a legislative proposal’s passage by not taking action on it.  Just refer it for further study.  Complete Street supporters are puzzled by the inaction in the House panel because of the protections built into the measure to rein in initial or future costs of a project.  At press time, the City of Pawtucket along with eight other cities and towns, have already passed resolutions supporting the Complete Street legislation being considered by the Rhode Island General Assembly and another eight communities are also considering supporting this legislation by enacting  resolutions.  Most important, the State’s Department of Transportation is not even blocking passage but endorsing it.

           According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, in 2011 alone “over 140 jurisdictions adopted a policy, up from 80 that committed to Complete Streets in 2010. In total, 352 regional and local jurisdictions, 26 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have adopted policies or have made written commitment to do so.”

           Elections are looming and House and Senate leadership are looking to adjourn in early June.  The Rhode Island General Assembly must move quickly in the waning days of the 2012 legislative session to join 26 states that get it.  House leadership must do the right thing to make streets, highways and byways more accessible and safer for all Rhode Islanders, regardless of age, abilities or modes of transportation.   That is to pass H 7352.    

             Herb Weiss is a Pawtucket-based writer covering aging and health care issues.  His Commentaries are published in two Rhode Island Daily’s The Pawtucket Times and Woonsocket Call.

A Commencement Speech for the Graduates of 2012

Published May 4, 2012, Pawtucket Times

In the upcoming months, commencement speakers at many ofRhode Island’s Colleges and Universities will give the Class of 2012 their sage advice as to how they can successfully find their niche in our society, scarred by one of the greatest economic downturns in the history of our nation.

Robed graduating seniors will sit listening closely to these commencement speeches, given by well-known lawmakers, judges, television personalities and CEOs, detailing simple tips and observations that if taken, just might offer the graduates a more rewarding personal and professional life.

The graduates of 2012 will begin their new life journey with many challenges to face. Gas prices continue to spiral out of control, heading to $4.00 per gallon.  Mortgage rates decline to the lowest level in decades, but most of these students, burdened by huge student loan debt, leave college without a job, adequate credit rating or down payment to purchase  a home.  TheOcean State continues to be one of the last states to see its economy revive.  While a ‘buy-local’ movement has grown over the years inRhode Island to support small businesses, an emerging global economy bankrupts companies and takes away jobs.

What sage advice can this columnist give these young college graduates that could provide a road map on how one can live a more healthy fulfilling life, to age gracefully, in a changing world?

Sound advice for 2012 Graduates

As an aging baby boomer, if I were asked to give my thoughts before hundreds of graduating seniors, I would urge them to grow old gracefully and not fight against it.  Some people feverishly attempt to hold onto their youth, fearing the onset of wrinkles, sagging stomachs and gray hair. As you move into your middle years and beyond, why not learn to see your life as a journey, keeping focused on the present moment, and not place so much attention on the future.

As you grow older when facing life’s health, financial, and professional challenges, always focus on the positive rather than the negative.  Each day you will make daily choices as to how you will tackle and react to life’s daily problems and difficulties.  In every situation, you can see the proverbial glass as either “half-full” or “half-empty”.  A positive attitude allows you to begin to successfully age.

Forgive Yourself and Others

        As we grow older, it becomes so easy to reflect on our defeats and focus more on the “bad hand” we were dealt throughout our lives.  Each and every day, savor your personal and professional victories, but remember to forgive yourself for your failures.

Simply put, don’t dwell in your past, but instead live and appreciate the present moment.    In your adult years, time flies by rapidly, to some like a blink of an eye.  A Hindu spiritual teacher tells her followers to view their life as a ‘cancelled check’. Let go of those past regrets, forgive yourself for those mistakes you made in your childhood, especially those you made well into your adult years.  Don’t regret passing up opportunities, for others will come.  Use your time wisely; don’t waste it carrying the burdens of past guilt or grudges.

Yes, learn to forgive yourself and others who hurt you personally and professionally.  You cannot live or reconcile your life peacefully if you are still holding on the grudges, anger and bitterness, all tied to past experiences.

As you grow older and accumulate life experiences, don’t be afraid to share your story with others, especially with younger people.  You will have a huge reservoir of untapped wisdom gained through life’s trials.  As a parent or later a grandparent, share your insights and lessons you have learned throughout the cyclical ups and downs of your life.  The generations following you will be at a loss if you choose to remain silent and keep your knowledge and history from them.

Use it or lose it.  “Stay as physically active as you can,” URI Gerontologist Phil Clark told me years ago.  He said, “If you rest, you rust.”  Physical exercise elevates our mood and benefits your cardiovascular system!

Aging research also tells us that you must also exercise your brain.  Make the time to read your newspapers, magazines and books, or working on a challenging crossword puzzle, or playing chess.

See the bigger picture of life. Sometimes it is not the big things that count but the simple daily acts of loving kindness you give to others.  Research tells us that volunteer work can be a protective buffer from the curve balls that life may throw as we age.

Keep up your social contacts and personal connections with others. When you require help, don’t be afraid to ask your family, friends, and colleagues for support and assistance.  There will always be opportunities for you to help and care for others, too. \

Enjoy Simplicity in Your Life

Learn to slow down and enjoy the simple moments of your life.  Author Connie Goldman notes that the simple act of watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset or even puttering around your garden can be as stimulating as a jam-packed calendar of activities.

There are no sure bets in life except death, taxes, and growing old.  So, Class 2012, make the most of your life. Embrace your later years and go for the gusto.  Enjoy your journey.

Herb Weiss is a Pawtucket-based writer covering aging and health care issues.  His Commentaries are printed in two Rhode Island daily’s The Pawtucket Times and Woonsocket Call.