Note: We’re happy to announce our national partner, the American Heart Association (AHA) has endorsed Measure M! They highlight the benefits of investing in creating safe and walkable communities for all ages and abilities and the public health improvements Measure M will bring to Los Angeles County. See their press release below.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2016 – The American Heart Association (AHA) has endorsed Measure M, which proposes a half-cent sales tax to improve transportation and mobility options for Los Angeles County residents. The AHA believes that the measure will help improve the health of Los Angeles County residents by making it easier and safer to be active.
“The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association understand the strong connection between the built environment and public health,” said Ravi Dave, MD, Board President, American Heart Association Greater Los Angeles Division, and Cardiologist, UCLA Health.
“Sidewalks that connect to parks, public transportation and schools; roads that include designated and protected bike lanes; and streets that accommodate all people make it safe for people to share the road with cars and trucks,” Dave added.
In supporting Measure M, the AHA underlines the tremendous opportunity that LA County has to leverage $120 billion dollars in the next 50 years to improve traffic and better connect transportation systems, reduce crashes and create a culture of health in the community.
“This an unprecedented moment as we are investing in a comprehensive plan that improves walking and bicycling conditions that will benefit millions of people in the region,” said Dave.
Getting around by walking and biking has been increasingly difficult in Los Angeles County. Studies have shown that people who live in walkable neighborhoods generally get more physical activity each week and have a lower risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers than those who live in neighborhoods that are less walkable.
With 83 percent of Metro bus riders getting to their stop by walking, Measure M will bring needed resources to LA County to make it safer for current bus riders, attract new riders to Metro’s transit system, and create safer and more walkable neighborhoods.
“People of all ages and abilities should be able to move safely and conveniently where they live, work, go to school, and play. Whether individuals use a wheelchair, ride a bike, bus or train, or drive a car, they all need roads that accommodate them. In order to create more neighborhoods like this, funding is needed to design and build streets that all users can share,” Dave said.
To learn more about Measure M, visit www.investinginplace.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – two of the leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is one of the world’s oldest and largest voluntary organizations dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.heart.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.