COMPLETE STREETS
“Complete Streets” is an approach to planning, developing and operating roads that are safe and accessible for all users.
They are designed to prioritize safety for people of all ages and abilities including:
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drivers,
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pedestrians,
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bicyclists,
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public transit passengers, and
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freight carriers.
The approach shifts the roadway design process from prioritizing speed for motorists to prioritizing safety for all users, which is particularly important as speeding is the leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities on roadways.
Complete Streets Design
There is no one design for a “Complete Street," but each design has the common goal of enhancing safety.
Complete Streets designs vary because each is intended to address the needs of a particular community. For example, designs will differ based on if they are intended for rural, suburban or urban communities.
Each design can also include a varying combination of features. For example, narrow lanes, protected bike lanes and marked crosswalks are all safety enhancement features. Other Complete Streets design features include sidewalks, bus lanes and bus stops, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions, modified vehicle travel lanes, streetscapes and landscape treatments.
Benefits
Comfort and Safety
Fast vehicles and the potential for crashes affect how safe and comfortable people feel on the road.
Complete Streets designs improve comfort and safety by:
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Slowing down vehicles
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Creating designated areas or lanes for different modes of transportation
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Reducing the number of potential crash points
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Accommodating the needs of users of all ages and abilities
Accessibility and Connectivity
A transportation network not designed for all users can cause discomfort, compromise safety and reduce freedom of movement.
Complete Streets designs improve accessibility and connectivity by:
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Directly connecting all users, not just vehicles, to destinations
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Removing gaps in features like sidewalks and bicycle lanes
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Creating a network that is accessible and easy to navigate for all ages and abilities
Equity and Security
Equitable transportation networks provide access to safe and reliable systems for everyone, regardless of age, ability and mode of transportation.
Complete Streets designs create equitable networks by:
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Providing safe streets for all users from motorists to pedestrians
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Ensuring everyone has access to well-maintained roadways regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
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Creating adequate networks that accommodate everyone, including pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation users
Health and Environment
Healthy transportation options and easy access to recreation help build healthy communities.
Complete Streets designs improve health and the environment by:
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Providing safe and intuitive networks that encourage people to choose active modes of travel and recreation
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Creating navigable networks that encourage a shift away from single-occupancy vehicles, which leads to decreased congestion and emissions
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Address urban heat island effects and providing opportunities to manage and filter stormwater with green infrastructure
Complete Streets in Kentucky
US 60/Second St
Franklin County
