Sustainability Language

Development, Impact & Global Frameworks

Complete streets

A street-design and policy approach ensuring streets are safe and accessible for all users, ages and abilities, not just cars.

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Definition

Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing and operating streets so that they safely accommodate everyone who uses them — pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, motorists and freight — regardless of age or ability. As policy, a Complete Streets policy formalises this commitment; Smart Growth America's National Complete Streets Coalition defines ten elements of a strong policy, from vision and user coverage to implementation steps and performance measures.

References

Overview

What it means

It makes multi-modal access the default rather than an afterthought in road projects.

How it is used

Hundreds of US jurisdictions have adopted Complete Streets policies; the approach informs road-diets, protected bike lanes, accessible crossings and street retrofits worldwide.

Why it matters

Streets are the largest public space in most cities; designing them for all users advances safety, public health, emissions reduction and equity together.

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