The Senate this evening approved a one-year extension of the federal highway bill, which would have expired at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

The extension was included in a continuing resolution (CR) passed by both chambers to avert a government shutdown. The stopgap bill pushes the deadline to pass the yearly spending budgets for the federal government to Dec. 11.

The Senate approved the action by an 84-10 vote.

Pedestrians take the forefront in October with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) holding its first “Pedestrian Safety Month,” a national educational outreach to heighten awareness for motorists and pedestrians of all ages.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) held a Summit on Pedestrian Safety in July during which groups representing both pedestrian and bicyclist organizations took part.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety offers a “focused approach” program to target specific issues including pedestrian and bicyclist safety in jurisdictions across the nation. It offers examples of programs that have undertaken changes to target this issue.

The House of Representatives Tuesday night passed a stopgap funding measure that will keep the federal government fully operating beyond next Wednesday (Sept. 30). The measure included a one-year extension of the current federal highway bill that would have expired the same day.

On Monday, House Democrats offered a Continuing Resolution to extend the highway fund by one year with $10.4 billion. If approved by the Senate, the extension would be a “straight” extension of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, better known as the FAST Act, meaning no increase in funding to existing programs. The proposal also would include funds needed to ensure the short-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), with a general fund transfer of $10.4 billion to the HTF, allocated for highways.

The Senate is expected to vote next week ahead of the deadline.

ATSSA’s annual Convention & Traffic Expo will go fully virtual for 2021.

“It’s vital to stay connected as we continue the critical work of advancing roadway safety. Our team is planning an industry-leading virtual event that will be timely, engaging and highlight the latest products, services, trends and education during the 51^st Annual Convention & Traffic Expo,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner said. “Our work is essential and the value of this type of collaboration cannot be overstated as we work Toward Zero Deaths.”

Dates for the 2021 Convention & Traffic Expo have adjusted for the virtual format to provide all of the elements that make this the premier event of the roadway safety industry. It will be held in February over a two-week period to make it convenient and readily accessible for everyone.

Democrats in the House of Representatives today proposed a Continuing Resolution that includes a one-year extension of the current federal highway bill.

The resolution is aimed at avoiding a federal government shutdown but included the highway bill, which is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30. The federal government shutdown could come in nine days without action. The proposal would fund the government through Dec. 11.

If approved, the resolution would ensure that current transportation programs would not lapse on their expiration date of Oct. 1.

ATSSA’s annual Legislative Briefing & Fly-In wrapped up its first virtual event on Wednesday with a day full of meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill and their respective staffs.

Meetings ran from morning to evening as ATSSA members from across the country had the opportunity to deliver firsthand their priorities for the roadway safety infrastructure industry.

ATSSA’s Government Relations Team set up 54 meetings with legislative offices representing districts in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

ATSSA members heard from three members of Congress and a U.S. Senator today during the first day of the Association’s two-day Legislative Briefing & Fly-In.

This year’s event was handled via virtual format with nearly 70 people taking part from across the country. Two members of Congress spoke from their Capitol Hill offices.

On Wednesday, ATSSA members are scheduled for 54 meetings with federal legislators or their staff members.

ATSSA’s Legislative Briefing & Virtual Fly-In starts Tuesday with an afternoon full of legislative updates from the Government Relations Team and members of Congress.

Tuesday's activities run from 1-5 p.m. EDT. The two-day event also includes virtual meetings with legislators on Wednesday, providing ATSSA members the opportunity to interact directly with their federal legislators and congressional staff and drive their messages to Capitol Hill.

This annual event provides ATSSA members training in advocacy with federal legislators and gives them the opportunity to develop long lasting relationships with members of Congress. They can then take the skills home and continue using them to convey our industry’s priorities to elected officials at all levels of government.

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.

Nominations are now open for ATSSA’s 2020 Industry Achievement Award, given annually to acknowledge an Association member who made significant contributions to ATSSA and the roadway safety infrastructure industry.

Nominations are due by Nov. 15 for recognition at the 51^st Annual Convention & Traffic Expo in 2021.

The Industry Achievement Award is the Association’s highest honor and is given to recognize ATSSA members who achieve distinction deemed worthy of special recognition. To be eligible, the person must be a current member or have been a member for at least 10 years. Only ATSSA members may submit a nomination.