Building Safer Streets Act

The Building Safer Streets Act requires the Transportation Secretary to publish documentation explaining prohibitions in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, including research supporting restrictions and local flexibility considerations. It mandates a GAO study to assess how traffic engineers use the manual and whether constraints hinder safety-focused street designs, with a report due within two years. The bill updates federal design standards to prioritize multimodal infrastructure (pedestrians, cyclists) through clearer guidelines, context-sensitive urban/rural distinctions, and categorical exceptions for safety-focused projects. Additionally, it sets aside 10% of funds for small community projects under $1 million with simplified application processes, while requiring transit facility design guidelines to improve bus stop accessibility and multimodal network integration.