The authors of the bill assert local transportation agencies tend to overlook the needs of the nondriving public, instead of improving or facilitating the movement of people not in cars. Bike paths and roomy pedestrian ways are often seen as optional amenities, when they should be integral parts of national highway planning.

More than one in five Americans over 65 do not drive, and more than 50 million Americans have a disability.

"Many new and improved streets across the U.S., particularly in developing areas, do not provide to all users the safe and equitable access to public rights-of-way," the bill states.

U.S. Senators Carper (Del.), Coleman (Minn.), Durbin (Ill.) and Sanders (Vermont) have signed on to cosponsor the Senate version of the bill, S. 2686.

"Complete Streets" is all about making communities safer, healthier and accessible for people of all ages and mobility. Accommodating the needs of nonmotorized users will eliminate hazards and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, who reportedly make up more than 12 percent of all traffic fatalities.