Safe Access for All (SAFE) Roads Act of 2022
The enactment of HB 656 represents a significant policy shift towards prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety. This bill requires the State Highway Administration to analyze high-risk areas for potential crashes and develop safety improvements intended to reduce injuries and fatalities among these groups. The annual budget will be adjusted to fund these initiatives, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving infrastructure dedicated to non-vehicular users.
House Bill 656, also known as the Safe Access for All (SAFE) Roads Act of 2022, aims to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout Maryland. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation to incorporate context-driven design elements in all new construction and improvement projects for roads, ensuring that safety measures align with federal guidelines and state policies. The expected outcome is a more inclusive transport infrastructure that accommodates and protects vulnerable road users.
The overall sentiment surrounding HB 656 appears to be positive, with considerable support for measures aimed at safeguarding vulnerable road users. Legislators and advocacy groups have expressed optimism that these reforms will lead to safer streets. However, there may be concerns about the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the proposed safety measures, indicating room for debate among stakeholders regarding implementation and success metrics.
Notably, while the bill has garnered bipartisan support, some contentions arise regarding the feasibility of the proposed budget increases and the timeline for project implementations. Critics may raise concerns about whether sufficient resources will be available to actualize the bill's goals and whether the state can effectively carry out the analysis and safety improvements mandated by the legislation.