Implementing Complete Streets

Implementing Complete Streets policies involve four major changes

1. Revised roadway policies and standards -- These include such features as lane widths, design speeds, corner turning radii, the placement and design of crosswalks, incorporation of countdown timers, lead pedestrian intervals, bike lanes, and whether to add or leave street parking.

2. Revised decision process -- All users should be consulted to help determine the appropriate design for a new or rebuilt roadway.

3. Staff training -- Local traffic engineers and planners should receive training in best practices for accommodating all users. Most engineering schools provide no training on traffic calming, pedestrian, bicycle, or disability design.

4. Data collection -- Data on all users, not just vehicles, should be collected before and after a street retrofit. Consideration should be given to adopting multimodal performance standards, known as Level of Service standards, to track how well each user group is being served. Typically, Level of Service is only measured for vehicles, during the most congested hours of the day.