Complete Streets
Complete streets are streets for everyone. Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to safely move along and across a complete street. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work.
Complete Streets is a national movement gaining momentum in many communities across the country. In an effort to educate area elected officials, business and community leaders, and local residents about Complete Streets, SRTC has partnered with several other agencies, groups and individuals to spread the word on why Complete Streets may be a good idea for our community. The Education Coalition for Safe & Complete Streets is made up of SRTC, Futurewise, Neighborhood Alliance, City of Spokane, The Lands Council, Spokane Regional Health District, Spokane Transit, Spokane County Commute Trip Reduction, Spokane Plan Commissioner Gail Prosser, YMCA of the Inland Northwest, Community Assembly, Bicycle Advisory Board and Spokane County.
There are many benefits of complete streets, including economic advantages, air quality improvements, and improved health. Click on Complete Streets for Spokane to view an information sheet about all the benefits that come with streets designed for all users.
Creating complete streets means transportation agencies such as SRTC and others must change our approach to community roads. Some features of complete streets that may be included when designing local transportation projects include:
Crosswalks Sidewalks Lighting Median islands Pedestrian signals Street trees Bike facilities Transit stop enhancements Well-placed crossing opportunities Congestion relief measures Separated sidewalks
The features above aren’t just good for the people using the roadway, they also have benefits for the business community around them. Click on Complete Streets for Businesses to view an information sheet on complete streets and what they mean to businesses and the local economy.
More information on the National Complete Streets Coalition is available at http://www.completestreets.org.