Complete Streets is a public policy that enables municipalities to create safer, more accessible streets for all users.
Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, bicycle to work and use public transit. Municipalities or counties choose to adopt Complete Streets policies to create safe and accessible transportation choices for residents.
Complete Streets is not a “one size fits all” approach to planning. Rather it is a balanced approach that recognizes that cars are not the only way to travel.
A complete street may include: sidewalks, bike lanes (or wide paved shoulders), special bus lanes, comfortable and accessible public transportation stops, frequent and safe crossing opportunities, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions, narrower travel lanes, roundabouts, and more.
Who benefits from Complete Streets?
- Municipalities – enhances livability and walkability
- Pedestrians – increases access and reduces traffic
- Bicyclists – reduces conflict with vehicles
- Transit riders – increases transit usage when stops are comfortable and accessible
- Children – play safely in a neighborhood
- Senior citizens – walk to nearby destinations and age in place
- Persons with disabilities – travel safely and independently
How can RideWise help?
- By presenting information at municipal meetings
- By providing Complete Streets policy examples and templates
- By assisting in drafting a Complete Streets policy
- By providing guidance and examples on best practices in Complete Streets design
- By helping municipalities implement Complete Streets
- By assisting municipalities with documentation for Sustainable Jersey.
Municipalities interested in learning more about Complete Streets are encouraged to contact RideWise at staff@ridewise.org.
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