Urgent: Final Chance to Stop SB195

Written By Micki Harris

Dear Save Not Pave Community,

Late last night, the Utah House made last-minute amendments to SB195, walking back on the compromises made after hearing from our community and negotiating with Salt Lake City. As it stands now, the bill is in its worst form yet—undermining everything Sweet Streets and the community were told about valuing public input and working toward a fair solution.

We have one final opportunity to stop this bill. Because it was amended on the House floor, the Senate must now vote on a final "concurrence" before SB195 becomes law. This vote could happen at any moment.

What You Can Do Right Now:

Your voice is critical right now. Thank you for your continued support and for standing up for safe streets and community-driven decision-making.


Micki Harris
Save Not Pave

Link To Senate Bill

📢 SCRIPT TO CALL OR EMAIL LAWMAKERS

Subject: Oppose SB195 – Protect Local Control & Safe Streets

Dear [Senator/Representative's Name],

I am writing/calling to urge you to oppose SB195 in its current form. This bill prioritizes state control over local transportation decisions, reduces flexibility for cities to invest in safer streets, and undermines our ability to meet Vision Zero goals—which aim to reduce traffic deaths and improve pedestrian, cyclist, and transit safety.

🔹 SB195 undermines local control – Cities should have the authority to plan and fund transit-oriented development, active transportation projects, and pedestrian safety measures without excessive state interference.

🔹 It prioritizes road expansion over safety – The bill increases funding for road projects but fails to provide dedicated funding for pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, despite Utah’s rising traffic deaths.

🔹 Public transit & walkability suffer – It forces UDOT to retain ownership of land meant for public transit, limiting city-led solutions that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and local needs.

🔹 It fails to align with Vision Zero & safety goals – Utah cities need traffic calming, safer crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and speed management policies—not just more road expansion that leads to higher speeds and more crashes.

🔹 We need balanced transportation funding – Instead of disproportionately funding road expansion, let’s ensure public transit, sidewalks, and safe biking routes receive equal or greater investment.

I urge you to vote NO on SB195 unless substantial changes are made to protect local decision-making, prioritize road safety, and align with Utah’s transportation future.

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[Your City]

How SB195 Conflicts with Vision Zero Goals:

Vision Zero aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by prioritizing safety in street design, reducing speeds, and making pedestrian/bike-friendly infrastructure a priority. This bill fails to align with those principles in several ways:

✅ What Vision Zero Prioritizes:
❌ How SB195 Conflicts:

  • Complete Streets & Safe Infrastructure 🚶‍♀️🚴 → Prioritizes road expansions over safer street design

  • Reduced Speed Limits & Traffic Calming 🚗💨 → No provisions for lower speed limits or protected bike lanes

  • Investments in Public Transit 🚌 → Keeps transit-related property under UDOT control, limiting city oversight

  • Equity in Transportation 🌍 → No clear allocation of funds for underserved communities

What Can Be Done?

  • Push for amendments that include protected bike lanes, improved pedestrian crossings, and lower speed limits.

  • Advocate for funding reallocations toward transit and active transportation rather than just road widening.

  • Encourage local leaders and MPOs to challenge provisions that limit city control over transit infrastructure.

Micki Harris
Next

Invest in Safety: Why We Need to Maintain Our Roads, Not Just Widen Them