Prioritizing People in Planning Amendment Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, B25-0296 will significantly alter how transportation projects are assessed in the District of Columbia. By removing LOS as a criterion for decision-making regarding street and traffic projects, the bill promotes a shift towards metrics that acknowledge the needs of all roadway users. This change can lead to improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, potentially increasing usage and encouraging more sustainable modes of transportation. Moreover, it aligns with city-wide goals of enhancing public safety and environmental sustainability by reducing automobile dependency and prioritizing active transportation modes.
Summary
B25-0296, known as the 'Prioritizing People in Planning Amendment Act of 2023,' aims to amend the existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Amendment Act of 2016. The primary objective of this bill is to prohibit the use of 'level of service' (LOS) as a metric for evaluating transportation projects. Instead, the bill mandates that the Mayor must devise alternative metrics that better account for various transportation users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users, whilst also measuring the generation of new automobile trips and changes in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The intent is to foster a more inclusive and balanced approach to urban transportation planning that prioritizes people over vehicular traffic flow alone.
Contention
The discussions surrounding B25-0296 may touch upon debates concerning efficiency versus accessibility in urban transportation planning. Supporters of the bill argue that traditional metrics like LOS often neglect the needs of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, while opponents may express concerns that the new alternative metrics could complicate project evaluations. Furthermore, there might be discussions about the balance between preserving traffic flow for vehicles and enhancing safety and accessibility for non-motorized users, making this a significant legislative change in the realm of urban planning.