​Complete Streets
Complete Streets are streets designed and operated to enable safe use and support mobility for people of all ages and abilities, regardless of whether they are travelling as drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists or public transportation riders. A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks. This helps to ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments. ​

​Complete Streets in FHWA
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is focused on supporting transportation agencies to plan, develop and operate equitable streets and networks that prioritize safety, comfort, and connectivity to destinations for all people who use the street network. Learn more about the FHWA's activities to advance Complete Streets.
​
The National Complete Streets Coalition promotes the development and implementation of Complete Streets policies and professional practices. They provide numerous resources for communities interested in learning more about Complete Streets, including information on how to develop policies and  implement Complete Streets projects.

Beginning in 2018, the National Complete Streets Coalition will be using a  new framework to analyze and rank Complete Streets policies. Their revamped Elements of a Complete Streets Policy raises the bar by calling for stronger commitments to both equity and implementation.
Picture
Interested in Complete Streets for
​your community?
Review the resources provided by the National Complete Streets Coalition, check out what other communities in the region are doing or send us a note and let us know how we can help!
  • Staff can provide technical assistance to municipalities in the Pittsburgh-10 County region seeking more information about developing and implementing Complete Streets polices and projects.​

Safe Streets, Smart Cities Academy
City of Pittsburgh selected to participate in the Safe Streets, Smart Cities Academy

November 2018 -Teams of planners, engineers, and law enforcement and public health officials from three cities convened in Huntsville, AL for the first workshop of the Safe Streets, Smart Cities Academy. 

 "Launching the Safe Streets, Smart Cities Academy in the Rocket City"​

"Safe Streets, Smart Cities Academy takes its next steps in Durham"
​
"Pittsburgh, PA demonstration project: Lincoln and Frankstown Avenues"

Who is most impacted by traffic safety in the City of Pittsburgh? This web map, created by SPC staff, contains data from a variety of sources to address this question. 
Complete Streets for an Aging Population
Between 2012 and 2050, the United States will experience considerable growth in its older population. In 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 million, almost double its estimated population of 43.1 million in 2012. The baby boomers are largely responsible for this increase in the older population, as they began turning 65 in 2011.  By 2050, the surviving baby boomers will be over the age of 85. (census.gov)

​As the nation ages, Complete Streets planning presents an opportunity to increase the safety and availability of older adults’ travel options.  AARP developed a ​study to encourage transportation planners and decision-makers to build upon the principles of Complete Streets to address the specific needs of older drivers and pedestrians.
A Pocket Guide to Improve Traffic Flow + Mobility for Our Older Population
Policy ordinance
City of Pittsburgh
On November 21, 2016, Pittsburgh's City Council unanimously passed a Complete Streets ordinance that calls for the development of a “safe and accessible multi-modal transportation system that will promote enhanced mobility for all users regardless of mode of travel, including people of all ages and abilities.”
​Read the news article...
policy resolutions
Local training resources
who else in the region is working to advance complete streets?
  • Active Allegheny, a comprehensive commuter bicycle and pedestrian transportation plan for Allegheny County, lays the groundwork for a complete multi-modal transportation network with successful active transportation connectivity. Adopted in 2010, the plan focuses on connectivity, access, mobility and healthy lifestyles through specialized plan components which include a component on "Complete the Street".
  • More People Biking & Walking More Often, a pedestrian and bicyclist transportation plan for Indiana County, recommends planning and designing streets for all users. Adopted in 2012, the plan states that "Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities."
  • Lawrence County's Comprehensive Plan and Greenways Plan both recommend that Lawrence County encourage their municipalities to adopt Complete Streets policies.  The recently adopted Lawrence County Multimodal Corridor Study, which is an implementation action item from the Comprehensive Plan, also encourages municipalities to adopt Complete Streets policies  and promote the inclusion of bicycling, walking and Amish buggies into the design of road and bridge projects.
​Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
Two Chatham Center, Suite 500
112 Washington Place | Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Directions | Parking | Employment | Title VI
P: (412) 391-5590 | F: (412) 391-9160
Copyright © 2018