Measure B Work Not Done Yet

Image: This Complete Street in Cupertino accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles safely. Image credit: City of CupertinoWith more than 71% voting YES, Measure B, the Santa Clara County transportation sales tax, passed by one of the largest margins for a tax in California history on November 8th.We're extremely excited to see that the voters of Santa Clara County firmly backed a plan to fund transportation projects that benefit all road users. Because of the broad base of stakeholders who helped craft it, Measure B will go a long way toward fixing our traffic problems without ignoring our environmental challenges.What’s next? For SVBC and all supporters of walking, biking, and transit use, it is crucial that VTA stick to its commitment to enforce Complete Streets requirements on the $1.2 billion projected for local roads maintenance and repair. We're working closely with VTA staff, Board members, and committees to develop policies that will translate local plans and resolutions into improvements in safety and access for people who cannot, or choose not to, drive a car for transportation.For too long, municipalities have touted the benefits of walking and biking, but continued to fund and implement traffic projects that treat these users of the road as afterthoughts. With a strong Complete Streets requirement applied to Measure B and other funding from VTA, agencies will improve safety and connectivity for people who walk and bike with general roadway projects, whether or not they’re regarded as “active transportation” projects.For now, let’s celebrate this big win that has taken two years of research, planning, and discussions with so many diverse stakeholders. But the work isn’t yet done to make sure the new funding results in a permanent shift to more sustainable transportation choices in Santa Clara County.