Complete StreetsA 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 are a response to incomplete streets that only serve people driving. For decades, transportation investments have prioritized speed over safety and cars over other modes, resulting in dangerous and deadly streets for people outside of a car. The best Complete Streets are context sensitive. City settings with many people walking and biking may require more physical infrastructure to keep everyone safe - separated sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and traffic calming measures. Meanwhile on a rural road where hardly anyone walks or bikes, larger shoulders, intersection improvements, and traffic calming on roads where drivers speed may be the better solution. |
Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh by LaQuatra Bonci Associates
This photo should include a more rural complete street
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Complete Streets Policy for Southwestern Pennsylvania
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The Complete Streets Policy for Southwestern Pennsylvania represents SPC’s commitment to creating a transportation network that serves the diverse needs of our region, promotes safety and accessibility for all users, and contributes to the health, prosperity, and quality of life of our residents. SPC's Long Range Transportation Plan, Smart Moves for a Changing Region sets forth a regional vision that provides the basis for SPC's complete streets policy, emphasizing mobility for all, empowering resilient and sustainable communities, and supporting a globally competitive economy. |
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Adopt a Complete Streets Policy in 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.
Local EffortsBigelow Boulevard in Pittsburgh might be one of the most complete streets in America. Its transformation in 2019 turned a four-lane speedway into a haven for people walking, biking, or taking transit. Today, the street has two lanes of traffic with a center turn lane, protected bike lanes flowing in both directions, a colorful raised pedestrian walkway, and large covered bus shelters. Located right outside the Cathedral of Learning on University of Pittsburgh's campus, this complete street improvement benefits students and the larger Pittsburgh community alike.
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Federal Highway Administration
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.
Smart Growth AmericaSmart Growth America (SGA) works across sectors to build more livable and connected communities by providing direct community support, advocating for policy change, and publishing research. SGA recognizes that a safe transportation system is essential to smart growth, so they lead the following two organizations.
National Complete Streets Coalition 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. Transportation for America Transportation for America's mission is "building a better, safer transportation future for all" which they aim to achieve through their three guiding principles: 1. Design for Safety Over Speed because any serious effort to reduce deaths on our streets and roads requires slower speeds. 2. Fix it First by prioritizing existing maintenance needs ahead of new construction in the federal transportation program. 3. Invest in the Rest and create a complete transportation network by investing in walking, biking, buses, and trains. |
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National Association of City Transportation OfficialsThe National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) champion a Complete Streets approach and offer resources, connect practitioners, and advocate for policies to help cities build safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation systems.
NACTO offers resources like Urban Design Guides for streets, bikeways, and transit. They also publish guides to help cities plan for emerging trends and technologies like delivery by bike or autonomous vehicles. |
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AARPBetween 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. |
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