Complete Streets: Roads Well Traveled

Connected Communities|Complete Streets

Agenda
Welcome & Introductions Introduction to Complete Streets Panel Discussion Q&A with Audience

Photo: www.pedbikeimages.org/Bill Wagner

Photo: Gary L. Howe

Mobility Choice

Trends
Walkable/Bikeable (target populations across generations) communities Active transportation, walking and bicycling in particular, is on the rise (14%, 36% increase) Costs to the Community Economic Development

What Makes You Stand Out?

Environmental
Health care Transportation Costs are Increasing
Photo: Gary L. Howe

Lawsuits Funding cuts keep coming but needs keep growing

Why Dont We Walk/Bike More?

Exposure to high volume and high speed traffic

Busy Lives
Lack of convenient crossings between traffic signals Limited transit options Incomplete bicycle and pedestrian systems Lack of bicycle parking Insufficient lighting Crime/safety concerns

A general lack of direct, safe and comfortable routes

Photo: Gary L. Howe

What is Complete Streets?

A system of streets

planned, designed, and

constructed to provide appropriate access to all

legal users in a manner that

promotes safe and efficient movement of people, and
All users include: Pedestrians Bicyclists Transit users Motorists Trucks People of all ages and abilities

goods whether by car, truck,

transit, assistive device, foot or bicycle.
PA 135 of 2010

An Expanded View of Streets

Go beyond the street

Use all of the public right-of-way to relate to development

Illustration: LSL Planning, Inc.

Policy Response to Complete Streets

Federal
State

Local

US27 in High Springs, FL

Photo: National Complete Streets

USDOT Policy Statement

US Department of Transportation (USDOT) policy: Incorporate safe and convenient walking and bicycling facilities into transportation projects Transportation agencies have a responsibility to improve the conditions for walking and bicycling
Photo: The Greenway Collaborative, Inc.

Encourages transportation agencies to go beyond the minimum standards

MDOT Policy & Action

August 2010, Governor Granholm signed into law Complete Streets legislation 2010 Complete Streets Advisory Council formed July 2012, State Transportation Commission adopts Complete Streets Policy December 2013, MDOT charged with procedures/guidelines to implement the policy

Photo: Gary L. Howe

Legal changes influence how townships, counties, cities, villages and the state work together.

Where in Michigan?
60 Resolutions 20 Ordinances/Plans Other communities

embedding in Master Plans

changing internal practices creating and adopting active/non-motorized transportation plans
www.micompletestreets.org
Photo: Michigan Complete Streets Coalition website; March 25, 2011

What are the Benefits?

Increased Safety Improved Public Health Cleaner Environment Livable Places Economic Development Mobility Equity/Access/Choice Quality of Life ??

Photo: Gary L. Howe

Livability/Econ Dev Consequences

Wed like to stay in Michigan, but we have a problem Our problem is access to talentMost qualified candidates live out of state and simply will not move here, even though they are willing to relocate to other cities.
~ Andrew Basile, Jr., patent attorney in Detroit
Photo: The Greenway Collaborative, Inc.

2006 report:

30% of employers on the outside of Pittsburgh responded that transportation was the number one barrier to hiring and retaining qualified workers.

Complete Streets Planning Process

1. Complete Streets Vision Identify Opportunities and Needs Analysis Alternatives Action Plan Monitoring and Implementation

2.
3. 4. 5. 6.

BIKE

WALK

Users

DRIVE

Public Input Throughout

FREIGHT

TRANSIT
Illustration: LSL Planning, Inc.

Common Design Elements

Sidewalks on both sides Bike lanes, boulevards, parking Shared-use paths, trails Minimized crosswalk distances through curb extensions Clear pavement markings Pedestrian signals, signage Mid-block crossings Lighting

Photo: The Greenway Collaborative, Inc.

High profile bicycle and pedestrian facilities clue drivers in to be on the lookout for nonmotorized users

Minimizing Risks of Non-Motorized Facilities Through Design

1. Put non-motorized users in logical travel paths 2. Put non-motorized users where they can be seen 3. Notify motorists where to expect non-motorized users 4. Calm traffic flow

Photo: Gary L. Howe

Careful planning and design can lessen liability more than a do nothing approach

Where Are You Now?

Where do you want to be?

Low

Modest

Strong

Aggressive

Leader

Illustration: LSL Planning, Inc.

Connected Communities|Complete Streets

www.thegrandvision.org/complete-streets-coalition

November 13, 2012

Mobility/Access/Choice Consequences
At least 1/3 of Americans dont drive 55% of Americans would rather drive less and walk more 28% of trips in metro areas are short (1 mile or less) yet 65% by car Who isnt driving? By necessity

Seniors Persons with disabilities Children Those lacking means to afford a car

By choice

Many reasons health, environment, enjoyment and savings

Who

doesnt walk?