City of Rochester awarded $23 million federal grant for biking, pedestrian safety

The City of Rochester has been awarded a $23 million federal grant to enhance pedestrian and biking safety, as part of the Safe Streets program from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funding will support projects outlined in the city’s Active Transportation and Vision Zero plans, aiming to reduce accidents and fatalities involving cyclists and pedestrians. During a press conference at one of Rochester’s most dangerous intersections for pedestrians and cyclists, Senator Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgent need for these improvements, highlighting Rochester’s high rate of injuries and deaths from crashes. The grant will fund the construction of pedestrian islands, protected bike lanes, and improved signage, as well as the completion of a proposed bike spine network. Mayor Malik Evans pointed out that with half of the city’s population lacking access to a car, these improvements are essential for ensuring safe mobility. Work on the projects is expected to begin immediately and be completed within a few years.

Source: Rochester First