Complete Streets

The Lancaster County Planning Commission, Lighten Up Lancaster, and the Coalition for Smart Growth sponsored a workshop on May 25, 2017 entitled “Advancing a Complete Streets Agenda.” The workshop was directed towards municipalities that have passed a Complete Streets Resolution or expressed a strong interest in moving forward with implementation of complete streets. This is a brief report on the workshop.

Series of fact sheets highlighting the numerous benefits of complete streets.

Comprehensive guide about adopting a complete streets policy, elements of a successful policy, managing a complete streets program, and funding.

The premise of this study is that complete streets policies lay the foundation for safe and convenient travel for all persons by all modes of transportation. These policies have the potential to yield an increase in opportunities for active transportation and to ultimately improve the health of the communities impacted. WalkWorks, a collaboration of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh, subscribes to the philosophy that the intent of policy is to enhance outcomes. Specifically, adoption of complete streets policies is among the priorities of WalkWorks, as such policies can provide increased opportunities for physical activity and thereby improve the health of Pennsylvanians. To gain an understanding of the status of complete streets policies, as well as the perceived opportunities and obstacles to adopting and implementing the policies in Pennsylvania, WalkWorks conducted a survey of municipalities that examined the policies adopted to date and interviewed representatives from communities that have adopted policies.

A 10-step checklist to help municipalities implement a complete streets program.

Regardless of a policy’s form, the National Complete Streets Coalition has identified ten elements of a comprehensive Complete Streets policy, as discussed below. For examples of strong policy language, see our current Policy Analysis report:

Borough of Elizabethtown (PA) resolution adopting a complete streets policy.

Comprehensive guidebook about planning for and implementing complete streets.

Model resolution establishing a municipal complete-streets program, as well as a model complete-streets policy.

The Handbook is a tool box and guide for community groups looking to improve their neighborhood streets, developers looking to build a new project, and City employees designing a new street to meet 21st century transportation standards.

Good street and sidewalk design improves public health and safety, accommodates a variety of users, reduces environmental impacts, and makes communities more inviting. WeConservePA guide. 5 pages.

These design guidelines for mixed-use centers and residential areas provide design guidance for city streets in Tacoma (WA).

Ranking of communities with the best complete streets policies, profiles of five leading communities, and a detailed explanation of the grading framework, and sample policy language.