complete streets: moving from introduction to local policy

Complete Streets:Moving from introduction to

local policy

www.mncompletestreets.org

What are “complete” streets?Complete Streets are designed and

operated to be safe and accessible

for pedestrians, transit riders,

bicyclists, and drivers—all users,

regardless of age or ability.

What do “complete” streets look like?Vary by local context

Typically include sidewalks and safe crossing points in urban and suburban areas

Typically include bike lanes or path on busier roads

Include texturized curb ramps for wheelchair users and visually impaired

Many types of “complete” streets

Example: Hwy 169 in St. Peter

Before

Pedestrian crossing distances up to 90 feet

Example: Hwy 169 in St. Peter

After

Pedestrian crossing distancesreduced to between 54 and 66 feet

Example: Franklin Ave in MinneapolisThe “incomplete”

12-inch wide Sidewalk

Heading to the “complete”…

Why do we need Complete Streets?

500 Minnesota pedestrians and bicyclists killed in the last decade; more than 20,000

injured

Safety

Why do we need Complete Streets?

Access

40 percent of Minnesotans do not

drive

Example of need for change—Woodland Ave Duluth

Before

Woodland Ave After Does not serve nearby

Univ of MN-Duluth

Pedestrians safety and comfort concerns walking along and trying to cross

Bicycle safety concerns throughout

Access barriers, especially in the winter

The “incomplete” street lead to Duluth passing a Complete Streets resolution

Benefits of Complete Streets

SafetyAccessibility and independenceHealthFamily transportation cost savingsEconomic development / tourismEnvironmentQuality of life and vibrancy

Complete Streets can help: Health

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from the 2008 Minnesota Obesity Plan

25 percent of Minnesotans are obese and an additional 37 percent are overweight

If left unchecked, obesity could cost the state $3.7 billion a year by 2020

51 percent of Minnesota adults do not achieve recommended physical activity

Minnesota’s growing obesity epidemic

Residents are 65% more likely to walk in a neighborhood with sidewalks

Cities with more bike lanes per square mile have higher levels of bicycle commuting

Complete Streets are recommended by:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Minnesota State Obesity Plan

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, American Heart Association, Minnesotans for Healthy Kids Coalition, and Minnesota Public Health Association

Benefits: Health

Benefits: HealthObesity is lower in places where people use bicycles,public transportation, and their feet.

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Obesity Walk, Bike, Transit

Pucher, “Walking and Cycling: Path to Improved Public Health,” Fit City Conference, NYC, June 2009

Benefits: Health

States with the highest levels of biking and walking have, on average, the lowest rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2010 Benchmarking Report, Alliance for Biking and Walking

Example: Albert Lea Blue Zones AARP, Dan Buettner, and

the City led project to improve the length and quality of lives

Life expectancy of 786 full participates increased by an average of 2.9 years

Project included “walking moias,” walking school buses, walkability audit, and a new Complete Streets subdivision ordinance

City likely to add first bike lane in 2011

What is a Complete Streets policy?

Declares political support for a balanced approach to road building

Sets a vision for a Complete Streets processFocused on safety and accessibility of all road

users

Offers implementation steps

Includes accountability

Why have a policy?To provide political and community support for engineers to design “complete” streets

Why have a policy?To change practice, integrating the needs of all road users into everyday transportation planning and design practices

Look to new road construction, reconstruction, and repaving projects as an opportunity

Include everything from planning to maintenance

Why have a policy?To gradually create a complete network of roads that serveall users

Bloomington’s planned network

Why have a policy?

To save money: in the long run, retrofit projects always cost more than getting it right the first time

Growing national movement120+ policies in last 10 years

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20090

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Growing Minnesota movement

Local resolutions or policies:RochesterHennepin CountySt. PaulAlbert LeaBloomingtonDuluth Independence

State policy for Mn/DOT signed May 15, 2010 by Governor Pawlenty after strong bi-partisan legislative support

Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition has more than 65 members

Getting started on Complete Streets in your community

Most common process in Minnesota1. Create the case for Complete Streets2. Work group drafts a resolution of

support3. Council/board approves resolution4. Work group creates a full policy5. Council/board approves policy6. Implementation and reporting

Elements of a policy1. Sets a vision.2. Includes all modes.3. Emphasizes connectivity.4. Applies to all phases of all applicable

projects.5. Specifies and limits exceptions, with

management approval required.6. Uses latest design standards is flexible.7. Is context-sensitive.8. Sets performance standards.9. Includes implementation steps.

Source: National Complete Streets Coalition

From policy to practice

An effective policy should prompt the transportation agency to:restructure procedures, policies, and

programsrewrite design manuals or standards (if

applicable)offer training opportunities to planners and

engineerscreate new performance measures

Source: National Complete Streets Coalition

For More information:

www.mncompletestreets.org www.completestreets.org