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Letter: Why is MoDOT opposing Complete Streets?

Submitted by Brent Hugh on Thu, 06/18/2009 - 7:47am
Rachel Ruhlen wrote in Monday's Columbia Daily Tribune:
The Complete Streets movement calls for streets that can be driven, walked and biked on. That doesn’t mean our interstates need sidewalks or that rural roads need bike lanes. It means that streets in towns should be made for walking and biking, not just driving. Several communities and states have already adopted Complete Streets policies.

Why does the Missouri Department of Transportation oppose Complete Streets legislation? MoDOT says it considers the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. With just one employee working on bicyclist and pedestrian issues, I find this hard to believe.

Complete Streets passed the Missouri House with overwhelming support in 2008 but didn’t make it to vote in the Senate. This year, the program was a victim of MoDOT lobbying.

I’m disappointed that MoDOT doesn’t support Complete Streets, and I’m troubled that MoDOT is trying to thwart the will of the taxpayers who fund its salaries and its projects.
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