"Complete Streets"

Healthy Community Design

In the News

"Complete Streets"

Updated January 2008

Pedestrian fatalities, worsening traffic congestion, and rising obesity rates have caused many policymakers, urban planners, and public health professionals to take a closer look at how our transportation system works. Many states and municipalities have adopted or considered "complete streets" policies, which seeks to incorporate the needs of all users, be it bicyclists, pedestrians, senior citizens, or people with disabilities, when planning and building transportation systems. Ten states now have some form of complete streets, and multiple other states are considering such legislation or revisions to their internal department of transportation policies. Studies have shown increased levels of biking and walking in safer areas that accommodate multiple uses.

A few recent news articles have captured the reasoning and needs behind this trend. USA Today featured two articles on the issues, one detailing the basic tenets of complete streets and another which discusses the pro's and con's of complete streets.

The AARP Bulletin examines the community of Kirkland, Washington and the benefits derived from complete streets, as well as the importance of considering all users when constructing roads and transportation systems.

To learn more about complete streets, legislators and staff can access a Legisbrief on the subject by clicking here.

More questions on this or other bicycle and pedestrian questions can be directed to douglas.shinkle@ncsl.org or 303-856-1482.

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