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MI House approves 'Complete Streets'

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-910140.mp3

LANSING, MI –

More Michigan's cities may soon have to install ramps and bike paths on their sidewalks and roadways. So-called "Complete Streets" legislation was approved by the state House Tuesday.

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State Representative Jon Switalski sponsored the "Complete Streets" bills. He says creating more bike- and pedestrian-friendly roadways will help attract and keep a younger workforce.

"State transportation policy is critical to turning our economy around," he says. "We must think differently in our state."

Supporters of the measure say communities should consider more modes of transportation than just cars when designing roadways. Especially, they say, because many people, such as children and the elderly, don't drive.

State Representative Pam Byrnes: "A time has come where we need to be considering not just how people move in vehicles, but how pedestrians are moving."

The "Complete Streets" bills received strong support from both sides of the aisle. The bills now move to the Republican-led state Senate.

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