TFAH Statement on the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011

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May 25, 2011, 01:21 ET

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Trust for America's Health (TFAH) applauds Senator Tom Harkin (IA) for introducing the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011.

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"The Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 would help the country get smarter about how we think about transportation projects -- so we aren't just focusing on planes, trains and automobiles, but also on ways to use our feet," said Jeff Levi, Ph.D., Executive Director of TFAH.

"Right now, about 23 percent of Americans say they do not participate in any form of physical activity and only about half of us reach the minimum recommended levels of exercise. If we're ever going to turn the tide on the obesity epidemic, we need to find ways to make it easier and safer for people to walk, run, bike, and just get moving. This Act would ensure federal transportation projects are efficient and promote better health for all," added Levi.

"We are encouraged by the broad support for the bill and hope that it becomes another federal law that makes it easier for people to get and stay healthy," concluded Levi.

Trust for America's Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. www.healthyamericans.org

SOURCE Trust for America's Health