Take a Complete Streets Approach
Walking and bicycling should be considered equally important as other transportation modes: The primary goal of a transportation system is to safely and efficiently move people and goods. Walking and bicycling are efficient transportation modes for most short trips and, where convenient intermodal systems exist, these non-motorized trips can be linked with transit to significantly increase trip distance. Walking and bicycling should not be an afterthought in roadway design.
How do we know we have a successful Complete Streets policy?
A Complete Streets policy incorporates safe and convenient walking and bicycling facilities into transportation projects; improves conditions and opportunities for walking, and bicycling; integrates walking and bicycling into transportation systems; and provide safe and convenient facilities for these modes.
A complete streets approach changes the way every day transportation decisions are made; changes design guidelines; educates and trains everyone on the new approach, and uses new measures of success. The ultimate goal will be that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities will be able to safely, conveniently, and easily use roads, sidewalks, bike paths, transit and rails to get to their destination.
What steps can further a Complete Streets approach?
- Demonstrate leadership by publicly announcing the importance of bicycle and pedestrian safety
- Adopt a complete streets policy
- Form a pedestrian and bicyclist safety leadership teams
- Develop a Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Action Plan
What is available to help create Complete Streets?
Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition provide great information pertaining to Complete Streets policy adoption and implementation. Read more about Complete Streets here.
Stakeholder Organization Resources
- AARP
- National Complete Streets Coalition