The National League of Cities has just reported the introduction of the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 by U.S. Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio). The bill requires that new street and transportation projects undertaken by state departments of transportation (DOT) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) be designed with “pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles” in mind. It also calls for consideration of the “safety and convenience” of all users in “all phases of project planning and development.”
This represents a major accomplishment for the National Complete Streets Coalition, which advocates for the building of road networks that are safer, more livable, and welcoming to everyone. The Coalition recently released its 2010 Complete Streets Policy Analysis: A Story of Growing Strength, which provides an analysis of the more than 200 Complete Streets policies adopted prior to January 1, 2011. The report provides a wealth of information and examples for jurisdictions considering adoption of Complete Streets policies.
Vermont is the most recent state to enact Complete Streets legislation; three other states have statewide laws: Connecticut, Hawaii, and New Jersey.
Comments