How to implement Complete Streets and Community Trails in your community | Metro East Park & Rec District

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First off, know you're in the majority. Complete streets and community-wide trail systems are the norm for metropolitan areas this day and age, not exceptions. However, similar to many aspects of mid-west living, the Metro-East region, i.e. Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois, has only recently come to terms with this reality. What does that mean for the region and for all of us? It's catch up time!

Gone are the days that streets are built to merely accommodate vehicular traffic. Instead, roads and communities are now built to accommodate and connect people ...all people, regardless of their physical abilities or mode of transportation.

Fortunately, the Metro-East region is not starting from scratch! Several communities in the area have already embraced the complete streets mentality by incorporating these concepts in to their development plans and by passing "complete streets" ordinances so bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are considered in all transportation projects. In addition, both Madison County Transit District and St. Clair County Transit District, as well as numerous communities within both counties, have already built and continue to build an expansive regional trail system throughout both Metro-East counties. Much of this existing infrastructure can and should be utilized for reference and modeled after for communities just getting started.

Complete Streets -- Why now? They just makes sense on so many levels! It makes for happier and healthier communities. It's great for the environment. It provides choices. It makes travel safer. It attracts and retains residents. It has a positive impact on the local economy. And most importantly, it's what the citizens want, need, and demand!

Now is your time to get involved and here's how...

Link: 

How to implement Complete Streets and Community Trails in your community | Metro East Park & Rec District

To find out more about complete Streets in Missouri--including dozens of sample policies and guidelines for getting Complete Streets moving in your community--on the Missouri Complete Streets page:

http://MoBikeFed.org/CompleteStreets