Model policy can be used to encourage walking, cycling

A sample policy is available to help cities and towns make their streets more conducive to walking and bicycling.

The Complete Streets policy has been written specifically for promulgation in Massachusetts as a city ordinance or town bylaw.

The Complete Streets planning concept strives to have roads designed or retrofitted to take into account all modes of transportation: cars, trucks, public transportation, pedestrians, bicycles and other types of non-motorized transport. Incorporating Complete Street principles into roadway design would be expected to result in an increase in walking and bicycling by providing safe and adequate space on the roadway and safer access to public transportation.

About one-quarter of all automobile trips in the United States stay within one mile of home, and two out of five automobile trips are within two miles, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation study. Roadways that are more inviting for bicycles and pedestrians encourage people to leave their cars at home for these short trips, which decreases traffic congestion while improving public health, according to supporters of Complete Streets principles.

Improvements to intersection design can also reduce accidents involving pedestrians and bicycles.

Complete Streets principles also help cities and towns design roadways that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide alternatives to driving for older residents.

Cities and towns are not expected to undertake street projects solely to incorporate Complete Streets concepts, but the local bylaw or ordinance will ensure that the principles are addressed in all development, reconstruction or street repair projects.

The local bylaw or ordinance can require reasonable efforts to meet Complete Streets goals as well as those outlined in the Massachusetts Highway Division’s “Project Development and Design Guide.” The nationally renowned guide is considered a “best practices” manual for incorporating Complete Streets goals into transportation planning.

The sample policy will incorporate best practices from the Complete Streets field as well as language from similar policies now in place in St. Louis and San Francisco.

Also available is a model board of health resolution that cities and towns can adopt to encourage increased physical activity, injury prevention and improved nutrition through local efforts.

For more information about the Complete Streets concept, visit www.completestreets.org.

• Download sample Complete Streets policy (105K PDF)