University City adopts Complete Streets Policy - 25th Complete Streets Policy in Missouri

The St Louis Post-Dispatch has the scoop on Missouri's 25th Complete Streets Policy, in University City:

Urban Complete Street

University City streets are no longer officially just for cars and trucks. Under a "complete/livable streets" policy adopted by the City Council, the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and public transit patrons must now be considered by planners proposing transportation development projects in the city.

"It's a question of how you think about things before you build them," said Councilman Stephen Kraft before the council approved the policy Monday night.

"We want to pay attention to all modes of transportation, not just by automobile," said resident Margaret K. Johnson, who co-chaired the city's bicyclist and pedestrian task force that two years ago recommended adoption of a  streets policy . . .

"Good design doesn't cost more," Kraft added.

The West End Word fills in details about the policy and its adoption:

Those assurances come in the form of a "complete/livable streets" policy adopted by the city council during its Oct. 27 regular meeting.

"We want to pay attention to all modes of transportation, not just by automobile," said resident Margaret K. Johnson, who co-chaired the city's bicyclist and pedestrian task force.

Two years ago the task force recommended adoption of a complete streets policy. The policy states that it is intended "to encourage walking, bicycling and other non-motorized forms of transit in addition to normal motorized transit." It defines a complete street as one "designed to be a transportation corridor for all users: pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, transit uses and motorists."

Officials said the complete streets policy complements the city's 2005 comprehensive plan update and the city's bicycle and pedestrian master plan. . . .

The policy makes the city's public works director and parks director responsible for overall implementation and execution of the complete streets principles and practices. It states that "the city will incorporate complete streets principles into all public strategic plans" and incorporate them "where practicable" in "other public works and community development plans, manuals, rules, regulations, operational standards and programs as appropriate."

Elements of a complete street, the policy states, include street and sidewalk lighting, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, disabled access improvements, street trees and landscaping and public transit facilities accommodation.

"It's a question of how you think about things before you build them," said Council Member Stephen Kraft.

Policy changes like the new Complete Streets Policy are one positive result of a long term planning process including a recently adopted city bicycle and pedestrian plan (previous coverage on MoBikeFed News; overview of the plan by Trailnet). Trailnet has been working systematically for years to find funding (generally through MoDOT grants supplemented by funds from the local community) and develop bike/ped plans in dozens of communities around the St Louis metro area.

This work, combined with the efforts and support of local advocates, elected officials, and city staff can fundamentally change a community's outlook towards transportation and city planning over time--as has happened in University City.

If you want to make fundamental change in your community, one of the top priorities is to develop a citywide bicycle and pedestrian plan.  Then keep the pressure up to implement the plan through policy changes such as Complete Streets Policies.

More information:

• University City's Complete Streets Policy
   
• Read more about Complete Streets in Missouri--and how your community can adopt a Complete Streets Policy--here.
• Read more specific suggestions that cities can implement to become friendlier and safer for bicycling and walking here.

Working towards a world-class bicycle and pedestrian transportation system in Missouri, including Complete Streets Policies at the city, county, regional, and state levels, is one of the primary goals of MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri. Your membership and generous financial support helps us turn our Vision into reality!