In a year in which, bicycling and walking became increasingly popular as people sought outlets during stay-at-home orders and social distancing because of COVID-19, individual safety is of utmost importance.

Recent national data – especially for bicyclists - isn’t encouraging, however.

Bicycle fatalities increased 22% between 2007 and 2018, while automotive fatalities dropped 11% in the same period, according to the latest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statistics.

Today marks the start of “United for Infrastructure: A Week to Champion America’s Infrastructure,” a nationwide effort to draw the attention of policymakers and the public about the significance of infrastructure to the economy and communities. It encompasses a broad range of infrastructure issues including bicycle and pedestrian safety.

ATSSA wrapped up its first Midyear Digital event on Thursday with Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) and Federal Highway Administration  (FHWA) Administrator Nicole R. Nason sharing insights during the Government Relations Committee Meeting.

Stauber said he’s eager for Congress to address the nation’s infrastructure needs and the federal highway bill known as the FAST Act, which is set to expire Sept. 30.

He serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and urged ATSSA members to reach out to committee members and ranking members of Congress to get their priorities heard. The first-term Congressman representing Minnesota’s 8^th District said he’s eager to get legislation passed and isn’t concerned about getting credit for his role.

ATSSA held its first Midyear Digital event from Monday through Thursday. Nearly 400 people took part in the committee and council meetings that tackled roadway safety infrastructure issues.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) notified ATSSA today of several new devices that recently received federal-aid eligibility letters from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The devices, which are compliant with the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), are listed below. The majority on the list are offered by ATSSA member companies.

The devices are also listed online along with FHWA letters that provide information about crash tests that were conducted.

National work zone statistics for fatalities demonstrate a critical need for training roadway safety workers. From 2016 to 2017, fatalities in work zones increased from 782 to 799 – a 2 percent increase, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) website.

The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) extends their congratulations to Nicole Nason for being confirmed today as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).