National Complete Streets Coalition Website
Walkable streets are an important component to livable cities. However, transportation agencies generally design roads with only cars in mind. Rarely are the needs of other users such as walkers and bicyclists taken into account. As a result, there are a lack of "complete streets" which include sidewalks, raised medians, covered bus stops, and treatments for the disabled. This leaves many streets and communities with limited options for safe transportation aside from driving. According to the National Complete Streets Coalition, this worsens traffic congestion, degrades air quality, and represents a lost opportunity for improving wellness through increased physical activity. Moreover, an aging population requires complete streets that accommodate multiple modes of travel. Given the shortcomings of many existing streets, several jurisdictions have implemented complete streets policies that create safer and more inviting streets for all users.
Sustainability Officers interested in understanding the components and benefits of complete streets can review the information posted on the National Complete Streets Coalition website, which includes:
- Fact sheets covering complete streets’ relationship with a variety of topics including children, the elderly, health, economic revitalization, and safety
- An atlas of jurisdictions that have adopted complete streets policies
- Information on how to change existing policy including specifics of current local campaigns
- A list of third party consultants who can assist municipalities formulate and implement a complete streets policy
- Answers to frequently asked questions related to complete streets implementation
- Links to additional resources such as brochures, reports, articles, and presentations
The information contained on the National Complete Streets Coalition website presents, among other things, cost statistics that can be useful for a Sustainability Officer seeking to make the case for investments in complete streets.
