This is what Complete Streets look like

I spend a lot of time at Down To Earth discussing Complete Streets. It’s a concept I believe in and it’s a movement that is growing around the country so my hope is to educate folks here. According to a survey by the Spokane Regional Transportation Council , around five percent were familar with the term Complete Streets however the next question defined term and asked participants if they would support a policy. Nearly seventy percent were in favor. The National Complete Streets Coalition defines what it means to build a complete street:

Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind—including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

There’s nothing like a visual aid. Check this video on how New York completes its streets:

Complete Streets: It’s About More Than Just Bike Lanes from Streetfilms on Vimeo .

The clip shows the transformation of several New York streets, including Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side and First and Second Avenues on the East Side. It explains the whole idea a lot better than a lot of wonky policy talk.

Also, tonight, check out the launch of the Complete Streets Zine.