What are Complete Streets?
Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street.
What do Complete Streets policies do?
Complete Streets policies direct transportation planners and engineers to consistently design with all users in mind including drivers, public transportation riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists as well as older people, children, and people with disabilities.
The Many Types of Complete Streets
There is no one design prescription for complete streets. Ingredients that may be found on a complete street include: sidewalks, bike lanes (or wide paved shoulders), special bus lanes, comfortable and accessible public transportation stops, frequent crossing opportunities, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions, and more. A complete street in a rural area will look quite different from a complete street in a highly urban area. But both are designed to balance safety and convenience for everyone using the road. Below, we showcase the variety of options in creating roads that are safe for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.
Introduction to Complete Streets: Slideshow
Download: Introduction to Complete Streets (21.6 MB)
For More Information
- Read up on complete streets with our Common Features & Benefits brochure (.pdf). Please share it with your elected officials, coworkers, and friends!
- Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page
- Learn about the many benefits of complete streets
- Check out a list of resources that can help planners, engineers, advocates, and citizens better understand complete streets
- Contact us by using our contact form, or by emailing info [at] completestreets [dot] org!
