Photo by San Francisco Bicycling Coalition
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Safer streets, stronger economies — How well do Complete Streets projects achieve transportation goals like safety and throughput? How do they support broader economic efforts? Our new report, out on March 24, looks at data from dozens of Complete Streets projects from across the country to compare the outcomes communities get from their investments. On Tuesday, join our online discussion to hear from Seattle, North Carolina’s Department of Transportation, the Central Florida Partnership, and the Mayor of Normal, Illinois. Register today >>
Evaluating Complete Streets projects — In tandem with our Safer Streets, Stronger Economies report, we’ve developed an introductory guide on how agencies can measure the impact of Complete Streets projects. The guide includes a comprehensive list of relevant measures and metrics related to access, safety, economic impact, the environment, and quality of place. It’s out on March 31, with a webinar featuring an expert panel. Register today >>
USDOT Mayors’ Challenge update — On March 12, the U.S. Department of Transportation kicked-off a year of action on improving safety for people walking and bicycling in cities nationwide by hosting an all-day summit at DOT headquarters in Washington, DC. As of last week, nearly 190 communities have signed on. Nearly 70 have already committed to Complete Streets by adopting a policy and several more have already stated their intentions to adopt a policy as part of the Challenge. Read more about the summit >>
Vision Zero bill introduced in Congress — Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced the Vision Zero Act of 2015 (H.R. 1274) this month. The bill would create two grant programs within the U.S. Department of Transportation to award money to communities to develop and implement Vision Zero. Read more >>
Stand Up for Transportation Day — On April 9, join transit agencies and riders nationwide in telling Congress that it’s time for long-term investment for America’s transportation network. Sign the petition or, if you work for a transit agency, check out materials to host your own day of action.
Updated Coalition presentations — We’ve spruced up our free Complete Streets presentations with new examples, data, and photos. The three slide sets cover an introduction to Complete Streets concepts, an overview of the benefits, and basics of policy development. Each is licensed for free, noncommercial use and adaptation. See more >>
Complete Streets toolkit — The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) developed a detailed suite of resources to help jurisdictions incorporate a Complete Streets approach into local planning, design, and construction processes and documents. It includes information about policy development, Complete Streets integration, and design concepts and image galleries of facilities and treatments. See more >>
Snow clearance recommendations — In response to (understable) questions from Massachusetts residents, the non-profit Walk Boston developed seven basic recommendations to improve sidewalk snow and ice clearance, as well as a set of more detailed recommendations. Here’s to employing them next year. Read more >>
Building Healthy Places toolkit — The Urban Land Institute and the Center for Active Design collaborated on a resource with 21 evidence-based ideas for enhancing health in real estate developments. While the toolkit considers opportunities for healthy food retail, active spaces such as stairwells, and gathering spaces for social interaction, Complete Streets supporters will be most interested in ways that developments can integrate with the pedestrian-friendly land-uses and streetscapes. Read more >>
Framework for public health and planning collaboration — Have you ever wondered what those public health people actually do? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a framework for planners and public health practitioners to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between the two professions. The framework identifies the methods that each group brings to the table, and identifies opportunities for influencing more holistic community development. Each element of the organizing framework is referenced with salient reports and other resources for further reading. See more >>
Equity and protected bicycle lanes — People of color are driving the bicycling boom in the United States, not only in the rates of of people using bicycles, but also in advocacy. A new report from People Who Bike and the Alliance for Walking and Bicycling includes 10 profiles of advocates in communities of color and data that explores the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, and protected bike lanes. New analysis shows, for instance, that between 2001 and 2009, the percent change in biking as share of personal trips rose by 90% among African Americans, 60% in Asians, and 30% in Hispanics compared to 20% in Whites. Read more >>
Local Leaders Council Policy Forum — The annual policy forum brings together mayors, councilmembers, county officials, agency directors, and other high level decision-makers to exchange smart growth strategies. Held in Washington, DC from May 31 – June 1, this year’s forum will focus on the theme “growing the new economy.” Register today >>
Fairhope, AL is implementing its Complete Streets policy vision with new medians, crosswalks, bike lanes, and parking spots on Fairhope Ave. Read more >>
The Complete Streets redesign of Rusellville, AR’s O Street (State Highway 124) is officially a go. The project will include bike lanes, a center turn lane, and sidewalks. Read more >>
Long Beach, CA celebrated a new Atlantic Avenue last month, as the first phase of the reconstruction project was completed. Atlantic got new pavement, new curbs, repaired medians, bus shelters, crosswalks, and landscaping. “The project has brought vitality to the area and has provided residents, motorists and pedestrians with a more inviting and stimulating environment,” noted Councilmember Rex Richardson. Read more >>
Stratford, CT will use a $200,000 grant to develop a Complete Streets Plan for the area around its commuter train station. Read more >>
In Fort Myers, FL, the News Press launched a year-long feature on walking and bicycling safety in the region. Among the early entries is an editorial in favor of better bicycling facilities, an article on the that digs into data for almost 1,400 crashes in Lee and Collier counties to report trends, and profiles of people who were killed while riding their bikes. Read more >>
Miami, FL can move ahead with a major redesign of Biscayne Boulevard now that the Florida Department of Transportation has offered its approval of the plans to reduce the number of travel lanes and add medians, bike lanes, and wider sidewalks. Read more >>
Voters in Atlanta, GA approved a $250 million bond package to fix bridges, repave roads, repair sidewalks, synchronize traffic lights, and the comprehensive, multimodal redesign of several major collectors and arterials. Read more >>
Grand Rapids, MI is considering shared street design on Bridge Street to create a public plaza feel. People walking, biking, and in cars would navigate a shared space without signs, lights, crosswalks, or curbs. Grand Rapids First Ward City Commissioner says that if the plan goes forward, “Bridge Street’s going to be the place to be.” Read more >>
Saint Louis, MO Mayor Slay has named Steve Runde as the city’s new Director of the Department of Streets. “He will be a key part of implementing the City’s Complete Streets Plan to ensure that our roads balance the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, mass transit, and vehicles,” said Slay. The City Council recently updated its Complete Streets policy, too. Read more >>
Millburn, NJ business owner Gennaro Raimo called on the city’s planned Complete Streets study to drastically reduce the number of crashes happening in town. The study’s recommendations are expected in mid-June. Read more >>
Las Cruces, NM is getting ready to redesign El Paseo Road, long-identified as a key opportunity to improve multimodal conditions and support local businesses. Read more >>
New Complete Streets policies
Many thanks to our renewing Partners this month at all levels:
- Gold: VHB, Inc.
- Silver: Gresham, Smith and Partners
- Bronze: Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates, Inc. and RBA Group, Inc.
Not a Partner yet? Join today to become an official part of the movement and be recognized as a leader for your Complete Streets work!
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