complete streets: moving from introduction to local policy
TRANSCRIPT
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