Complete Streets
The term “Complete Streets??? was coined to describe street networks that are designed for everyone, no matter their age, ability, or mode of travel. Complete Streets are designed and operated to ensure that everyone — pedestrians, transit users, bicyclists and motorists — can travel safely and comfortably along and across a street.
Complete Streets transforms a municipality’s everyday decision-making to incorporate bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access elements as an essential part of the road network. When a municipality repaves a road, for example, the jurisdiction may be able to add a bicycle lane without tacking on major cost or delays.
The Complete Streets approach challenges roadway engineers and planners to consider the places that each roadway connects to and the people who move along it. Every street is considered for its contribution to the overall network and evaluated on how it can provide safe access to the places that community members need and want to go.
Interested In Advancing A Complete Streets Policy In Your Community?
Complete Streets are about a commitment to create options for everyone. See Complete Streets at work and find out what local municipalities can do .
Bringing Complete Streets To Life
Walkable, bikeable communities can take years to design, fund, and build. Pop-up events are a fun, tangible way for community residents to experience safer streets. Read how Active Transportation Alliance and several municipalities brought Complete Streets to life for community leaders and residents.
Find Out If Your Community Has A Complete Streets Police
Municipalities identified on the Healthy HotSpot Map have committed to designing, building and maintaining roadways that give residents of all ages and abilities safer, healthier and more affordable travel options through the adoption of a Complete Streets policy. Partners supporting Complete Streets are Active Transportation Alliance, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.
