MoDOT's opposition to Complete Streets--another response

Wes Ridgeway of St. Louis wrote another response to the recent St. Louis Post-Dispatch article that outlined the reasons for MoDOT's opposition to the Complete Streets bill introduced this year in the Missouri General Assembly.

The bill is supported by more than 60 different Missouri groups and organizations, ranging from the Missouri PTA to environmental groups to health groups to planning groups.

Ridgeway wrote:

Balanced flow for all

In "Bike to Work Day is nothing new for rising number here" (May 15) about a proposed bill that would require the Missouri Department of Transportation to fully consider bicycling and walking in is projects, the MoDOT spokesperson said, "We'd love to do everything that everyone wants, but it boils down to a balancing act."

Being able to walk and bicycle safely isn't just something only a few people want. It is basic transportation for many thousands of people, including children, elderly people who can no longer drive and those with disabilities. Making the city safe for walking — safe crosswalks, sidewalks, pedestrian signals at intersections and other basics — should not be an option that MoDOT can leave out whenever it wants. The new bicycle/pedestrian tunnel under Interstate 64 at Forest Park in itself is a nice improvement, but it is incomplete. Where is the traffic light on Oakland? There was a lack of planning.

MoDOT needs to create a balanced flow for everyone, not just on a selected basis.

Wes Ridgeway — St. Louis County