Key Principles of Complete Streets
Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility
Pedestrian safety and accessibility are at the forefront of Complete Streets. This principle involves ensuring that streets have well-maintained sidewalks with adequate widths to accommodate pedestrians, including those using mobility aids.
Crosswalks are clearly marked and strategically placed to facilitate safe crossings, and pedestrian signals help regulate traffic to prioritize pedestrian movement. Curb ramps are provided to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and other features such as raised crosswalks or pedestrian islands may be incorporated to enhance safety.
Bicycle Infrastructure
Complete Streets prioritize the needs of cyclists by including dedicated bicycle infrastructure. This can include protected bike lanes physically separated from vehicular traffic, bike paths or greenways separate from roadways, or shared bike lanes marked with appropriate signage.
Adequate signage, markings, and signals are implemented to guide cyclists and ensure their safety. Additionally, amenities like bike parking racks or facilities at key destinations encourage cycling as a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation.
Public Transit Integration
To facilitate the use of public transit, Complete Streets incorporate features that support its integration into the transportation network. This can involve designated bus lanes that prioritize transit vehicles, allowing for faster and more reliable service.
Transit stops and shelters are strategically located, providing safe and convenient access for passengers. Real-time transit information may be displayed at stops or integrated into smart transportation systems to enhance the overall transit experience.
Safe and Efficient Vehicle Movement
While Complete Streets prioritize non-motorized transportation, they also consider the needs of motorists. Traffic calming measures, such as speed humps or roundabouts, are implemented to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety.
Appropriately sized lanes and intersection design help ensure efficient vehicle flow and minimize congestion. Intersection improvements, such as pedestrian refuge islands or dedicated turning lanes, are incorporated to enhance safety for all users.
Land Use and Context Sensitivity
Complete Streets take into account the surrounding land use and context to create streets that are tailored to their specific environment. This can involve incorporating elements that enhance the overall aesthetics, such as street trees, landscaping, or public art installations.
Streets may be designed to be more inviting and pedestrian-friendly in commercial or residential areas, while accommodating higher volumes of traffic in transportation corridors. The design and layout of the street consider the unique characteristics and needs of the surrounding community to create a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.
By embracing these key principles, Complete Streets aim to create a transportation network that is safe, accessible, and convenient for all users, regardless of their mode of transportation. This holistic approach fosters healthier and more sustainable communities, improves mobility options, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Complete Streets is centered around creating roadways that are designed to accommodate the needs of all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transportation users. The concept of Complete Streets aims to move away from the traditional approach of designing streets solely for vehicular traffic and instead focuses on creating a safer, more accessible, and inclusive transportation network.
The philosophy of Complete Streets recognizes that streets are not just thoroughfares for vehicles but also vibrant public spaces that should prioritize the well-being and mobility of all individuals. It promotes the idea that streets should be designed to accommodate a variety of transportation modes and users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation chosen.
