Prop. 424 critical to Tempe transportation infrastructure

Adobe Stock

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on Tempe Proposition 424, a half-cent sales tax that goes to voters in November? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

Opinion

Prop. 424 sales-tax hike will keep Tempe safe, strong

Government

Tempe proposes property tax increase

City Council

Tempe council votes to continue tax discussion, adds proposal to expand preschool

Opinion

Reader wants more information on Tempe tax plan

OPINION — The Tempe Bicycle Action Group Board of Directors is strongly in favor of the Tempe’s transit-tax increase. We ask voters to support this measure and vote yes. If Proposition 424 does not pass, planned bike, pedestrian and transit improvements will be halted for years.

The Rio-East Dobson streetcar extension into Mesa would be stopped. The Upstream Dam bike and pedestrian bridge over Tempe Town Lake near McClintock Drive would be stopped.

We need to keep the momentum of infrastructure work going in Tempe, not let it lapse.

We will lose out on matching federal funds for these projects if this measure does not pass. Losing this funding will make it harder to use active transportation or transit in Tempe, actively harming vulnerable road users, kids and elders who don’t drive, and anyone who can’t afford or chooses not to travel by car.  

We are grateful that the city’s Transportation Commission voted to support the transit tax increase and clarify in the ballot language that bike and pedestrian efforts are part of what will be funded. Bus shelters, bike lanes, transit improvements and crosswalks will be able to be built and maintained.

Tempe voters have a history of supporting infrastructure, public safety and school bonds and overrides. Please help continue that legacy by helping close this shortfall that was caused by the Arizona Legislature’s actions.

Your bike advocacy community urges you to vote yes on Proposition 424.

Hannah Moulton Belec is treasurer of Tempe Bicycle Action Group. She wrote this on behalf of its Board of Directors. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.