Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Whether you drive, walk or bike, a new law to promote safer roadways is now in effect in New York State.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed "Complete Streets" legislation Monday, which will forever change the way some road projects are planned in New York.
You may soon see more crosswalks and bike lanes here in Central New York, as this law will require that certain road projects better take pedestrians, bicycles and public transit riders into account.
For the last few years, the City of Syracuse has had bikers and walkers in mind.
"Shift the focus in our transportation planning and design away from the automobile and more towards the people," said Syracuse's Director of Planning and Sustainability, Andrew Maxwell said. It's a shift that’s expanding state-wide with the signing of "Complete Streets."
From now on, any project, state or local, that is overseen by the State Department of Transportation or that receives state and federal funding will be required to take certain design principles into account. From sidewalks and raised medians to crosswalks and bike lanes.
"It's definitely a lot less stressful. I mean when you're on the road and your biking you always have to be watching over your shoulder," said Tommy Bronholdt who would like to see more bike lanes.
Redesigning streets with pedestrians and bikers in mind could help avoid injury by 28 percent.
But to do that, transportation agencies will have to change their approach to future projects.
The law is also intended to promote a cleaner and greener transportation system, healthier lifestyles and help boost the economy by providing easy access to local retail.
As part of "Complete Streets," the State Department of Transportation will be required to publish a report showing how it complied with the new law and changed its procedures to implement new design features into its planning and construction.
