Complete Streets

Complete Streets is a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to provide safe and comfortable access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit riders, motorists, and freight vehicles of all ages and abilities. Rather than prioritizing automobile throughput, complete streets balance the needs of multiple modes within the available right-of-way. Design elements include wide sidewalks with accessible curb ramps, protected bike lanes or cycle tracks, transit stops with shelters and real-time information, street trees providing shade and traffic calmingTraffic CalmingTraffic Calming uses physical design measures and street modifications to reduce vehicle speeds and cut-through traff..., and crossing improvements like median refuges and curb extensions. GISGISGeographic Information Systems (GIS) enable users to analyze and visualize spatial data to uncover patterns, relation...-based multimodal level-of-service analysis evaluates how well a street serves each mode, identifying deficiencies that complete streets redesigns can address. Applications include roadway reconstruction projects where agencies redesign streets to accommodate all modes, development review where new projects must provide complete street frontage, and retrofit programs that incrementally add bicycle and pedestrian facilities to existing streets. Over 1,600 jurisdictions in the United States have adopted complete streets policies. The approach has been shown to reduce crashes, increase walking and cycling, support local businesses, and improve property values along redesigned corridors.