3.6 Complete streets and road diets
10 min read•august 20, 2024
and are transformative urban planning strategies that prioritize safety and for all road users. By redesigning streets to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders alongside vehicles, these approaches create more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable urban environments.
These strategies offer numerous benefits, including improved safety, enhanced mobility, and increased economic activity. However, implementing complete streets and road diets requires careful planning, community engagement, and a willingness to challenge traditional car-centric design paradigms.
Benefits of complete streets
- Complete streets prioritize the safety and accessibility of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists, leading to a more equitable and inclusive transportation system
- By designing streets that accommodate various modes of transportation, complete streets enhance mobility options and reduce dependence on private vehicles, promoting sustainable urban development
- Complete streets encourage by providing safe and comfortable infrastructure for walking and cycling, which can improve public health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles
Improved safety for all users
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- Implementing measures, such as , , and , reduces vehicle speeds and increases driver awareness, minimizing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists
- Providing dedicated space for each mode of transportation, such as protected bike lanes and wide sidewalks, reduces conflicts between users and improves overall safety
- Enhanced street lighting and clear signage improve visibility and wayfinding, making it easier for all users to navigate the street safely, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions
Enhanced accessibility and mobility
- Complete streets incorporate features like , , and to ensure that individuals with disabilities can safely and independently access the transportation network
- By providing a connected network of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, complete streets enable people to reach their destinations without relying on private vehicles, enhancing accessibility to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services
- Integrating transit accommodations, such as bus shelters, , and , improves the efficiency and reliability of public transportation, making it a more attractive and viable mobility option
Promotion of active transportation
- Complete streets create a more inviting and comfortable environment for walking and cycling by providing amenities like street trees, benches, and bicycle parking, encouraging people to choose active modes of transportation
- Implementing a comprehensive network of and trails connects neighborhoods, parks, and other destinations, making cycling a practical and enjoyable option for both recreation and commuting
- Promoting active transportation through complete streets can help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and foster a greater sense of community by encouraging social interaction and street-level activity
Elements of complete street design
- Complete street design incorporates a range of elements that prioritize the safety, comfort, and accessibility of all users, while also considering the unique context and character of each street
- The specific design elements used in a complete street project may vary depending on factors such as the surrounding land use, traffic volumes, and community preferences, but typically include infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists
- Effective complete street design requires a holistic approach that considers how each element interacts with and complements the others to create a cohesive and functional transportation network
Pedestrian infrastructure
- Wide, well-maintained sidewalks provide ample space for pedestrians to walk comfortably and safely, accommodating individuals with varying abilities and mobility devices
- Crosswalks, particularly at intersections and mid-block locations, should be clearly marked and visible, using high-visibility pavement markings, signage, and lighting to ensure that pedestrians can cross the street safely
- Curb extensions, also known as bulb-outs or neck-downs, narrow the roadway at intersections or mid-block crossings, reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians and improving visibility between pedestrians and motorists
Bicycle lanes and facilities
- Dedicated bicycle lanes, either protected or buffered, provide a safe and comfortable space for cyclists to ride, separated from motor vehicle traffic
- at intersections allow cyclists to position themselves ahead of vehicles during red lights, increasing their visibility and reducing conflicts with turning vehicles
- , such as racks or secure storage lockers, encourage cycling by providing convenient and safe places to store bicycles at destinations like workplaces, schools, and transit stations
Transit accommodations
- Dedicated bus lanes or transit priority lanes improve the efficiency and reliability of public transportation by allowing buses to bypass traffic congestion
- Bus shelters and benches provide a comfortable waiting area for transit riders, protecting them from the elements and offering a place to rest
- Accessible boarding platforms and ramps ensure that individuals with disabilities can easily and safely board and exit buses or trains
Traffic calming measures
- Narrower travel lanes and road diets (reducing the number of lanes) encourage slower driving speeds and reduce the risk of severe accidents
- Raised intersections and crosswalks improve pedestrian visibility and act as a physical cue for drivers to slow down
- Curb extensions and chicanes (alternating curb extensions that create an S-shaped roadway) reduce vehicle speeds by physically narrowing the roadway and requiring drivers to navigate a more complex path
Implementing complete streets
- Successfully implementing complete streets requires a comprehensive approach that involves community engagement, policy and regulatory support, and adequate funding and financing strategies
- Effective implementation also necessitates collaboration among various stakeholders, including local government agencies, transportation departments, community organizations, and the private sector
- Monitoring and evaluating the performance of complete street projects is crucial for understanding their impact, identifying areas for improvement, and building support for future initiatives
Community engagement and input
- Engaging the community throughout the planning and design process ensures that complete street projects reflect the needs, preferences, and values of the people who will use them
- Public workshops, surveys, and online platforms provide opportunities for residents to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas related to transportation and street design
- Collaborating with community-based organizations and advocacy groups can help reach underrepresented populations and ensure that diverse perspectives are incorporated into the decision-making process
Policy and regulatory frameworks
- Adopting complete streets policies at the local, regional, or state level establishes a formal commitment to designing and building streets that prioritize the safety and accessibility of all users
- Updating zoning codes and development regulations to require or incentivize elements of complete street design, such as pedestrian amenities or bicycle parking, can help ensure that new development contributes to a more walkable and bikeable environment
- Integrating complete streets principles into transportation plans, capital improvement programs, and other planning documents provides a roadmap for implementation and helps prioritize funding for complete street projects
Funding and financing strategies
- Leveraging a variety of funding sources, including local, state, and federal grants, can help support the implementation of complete street projects
- Establishing dedicated funding streams, such as a portion of sales tax revenue or development impact fees, can provide a reliable source of funding for complete streets over time
- Exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as or value capture strategies, can help stretch limited public resources and accelerate the implementation of complete street projects
Road diets
- Road diets are a specific type of complete street intervention that involves reducing the number of travel lanes on a roadway, typically from four lanes to three, to reallocate space for other uses such as bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, or on-street parking
- The primary purpose of a road diet is to improve by reducing vehicle speeds, minimizing conflicts between modes, and providing dedicated space for pedestrians and bicyclists
- While road diets can offer significant benefits, they may also present challenges related to traffic flow, public perception, and political support, requiring careful planning and communication to ensure successful implementation
Definition and purpose
- A road diet is a roadway reconfiguration that involves converting an existing four-lane undivided roadway into a three-lane roadway with two through lanes and a center two-way left-turn lane
- The primary purpose of a road diet is to improve safety for all users by reducing vehicle speeds, minimizing conflicts between modes, and providing dedicated space for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Road diets can also help to calm traffic, reduce the severity of crashes, and create a more balanced and efficient use of roadway space
Typical road diet configurations
- The most common road diet configuration is a conversion from four travel lanes to three, with one lane in each direction and a center two-way left-turn lane
- Other road diet configurations may include reducing the number of travel lanes to allocate space for bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, or on-street parking
- In some cases, a road diet may involve reducing the width of travel lanes to slow traffic speeds and provide additional space for pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure
Benefits vs challenges
- Benefits of road diets include improved safety for all users, reduced vehicle speeds, increased bicycle and pedestrian activity, and enhanced accessibility and mobility
- Road diets can also help to create a more vibrant and livable streetscape by providing space for street trees, benches, and other amenities
- Challenges associated with road diets may include concerns about traffic congestion, reduced capacity for motor vehicles, and public resistance to change
- Addressing these challenges requires careful traffic analysis, and education, and a commitment to prioritizing safety and multi-modal accessibility over motor vehicle throughput
Case studies
- Examining successful complete street projects and road diet implementations can provide valuable insights into best practices, lessons learned, and potential challenges
- Case studies can also help to build support for complete streets by demonstrating the tangible benefits that these projects can deliver for communities
- Sharing the stories and experiences of other cities and towns that have successfully implemented complete streets can inspire and inform similar efforts in other communities
Successful complete street projects
- The redesign of Lancaster Boulevard in Lancaster, California, transformed a struggling downtown corridor into a thriving, pedestrian-friendly destination by narrowing travel lanes, widening sidewalks, and adding bicycle lanes, street trees, and public art
- The reconstruction of Prospect Park West in Brooklyn, New York, included the installation of a two-way protected bicycle lane, pedestrian islands, and traffic calming measures, resulting in a significant reduction in crashes and an increase in bicycle and pedestrian activity
- The complete streets makeover of Edgewater Drive in Orlando, Florida, involved a road diet, the addition of bicycle lanes and wider sidewalks, and the installation of landscaping and street furniture, leading to a more vibrant and safer street for all users
Lessons learned from implementation
- Engaging the community early and throughout the planning and design process is critical for building support and ensuring that complete street projects reflect local needs and priorities
- Collecting and analyzing data on traffic volumes, crash history, and multi-modal activity can help to inform design decisions and make the case for complete streets
- Pilot projects and temporary installations can be an effective way to test and refine complete street designs, build public support, and demonstrate the benefits of these interventions
- Collaboration among various agencies and stakeholders, including transportation departments, public works, and community organizations, is essential for successful implementation and ongoing maintenance of complete street projects
Measuring success
- Establishing clear performance metrics and evaluation criteria is essential for measuring the success of complete street projects and demonstrating their value to the community
- Regularly collecting and analyzing data on key indicators such as mode share, safety outcomes, and economic activity can help to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and build support for future investments
- Sharing the results of complete street evaluations with the public and decision-makers can help to build momentum for continued implementation and secure funding for additional projects
Performance metrics for complete streets
- Mode share, or the percentage of trips made by each mode of transportation (walking, bicycling, transit, and driving), is a key indicator of the effectiveness of complete streets in promoting multi-modal mobility
- Safety metrics, such as the number and severity of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists, can help to assess the impact of complete street designs on reducing conflicts and improving safety for all users
- Economic indicators, such as retail sales, property values, and business activity, can provide insights into the potential of complete streets to support local economic development and revitalization
Evaluating impact on mode share
- Conducting before-and-after studies of mode share can help to quantify the impact of complete street projects on shifting travel behavior and promoting more sustainable modes of transportation
- Surveys and counts of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit activity can provide valuable data on how complete street designs are influencing travel patterns and supporting multi-modal mobility
- Comparing mode share data from complete street projects to citywide or regional trends can help to isolate the effects of these interventions and demonstrate their effectiveness in promoting non-motorized transportation
Assessing economic and social benefits
- Analyzing data on retail sales, business activity, and property values can help to demonstrate the economic benefits of complete streets in supporting local businesses and attracting investment
- Surveys and interviews with residents, business owners, and visitors can provide qualitative insights into the social and quality-of-life benefits of complete streets, such as increased social interaction, improved access to destinations, and enhanced sense of community
- Evaluating the equity impacts of complete street projects, such as the distribution of benefits and burdens across different neighborhoods and populations, can help to ensure that these interventions are promoting social justice and inclusive mobility
Key Terms to Review (30)
Accessibility: Accessibility refers to the ease with which individuals can reach desired destinations and utilize services, spaces, and facilities. This concept emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to ensure that all people, regardless of ability or background, can fully participate in and benefit from their environment. Accessibility is crucial in promoting inclusion, fostering community engagement, and supporting sustainable urban development.
Accessible boarding platforms: Accessible boarding platforms are specially designed areas at transit stations that allow for smooth and safe access for all individuals, including those with disabilities. These platforms ensure that people can board and disembark from vehicles like buses or trains without barriers, promoting inclusivity and ease of movement. They are a critical element in creating complete streets, as they enhance the overall user experience and safety for diverse populations.
Active Transportation: Active transportation refers to any form of human-powered movement that involves walking, cycling, or other non-motorized modes of transport. This approach encourages healthier lifestyles, reduces environmental impact, and promotes community interaction by integrating physical activity into daily commutes. It connects to various urban planning strategies focused on creating accessible environments that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, thereby enhancing overall mobility and sustainability.
Audible signals: Audible signals are sound-based notifications used in urban environments to convey information or alerts to pedestrians and drivers, enhancing safety and awareness. These signals are especially important in areas where visual cues may be insufficient, such as busy intersections or locations with high foot traffic. By providing auditory feedback, audible signals help promote accessibility for individuals with visual impairments and support the overall functionality of the urban landscape.
Bicycle boxes: Bicycle boxes are designated areas at intersections that allow cyclists to position themselves ahead of motor vehicles at a traffic signal. These spaces enhance safety by providing a clear and visible space for cyclists to wait and start moving without the risk of being overlooked by drivers. Bicycle boxes are essential components of complete streets, promoting the integration of cycling into urban transportation systems and improving overall road safety.
Bicycle lanes: Bicycle lanes are designated strips of roadway or pathways specifically allocated for the exclusive use of bicycles, often marked by painted lines or physical barriers. They promote cycling as a safe and viable transportation option, enhancing connectivity and encouraging environmentally friendly commuting practices. Bicycle lanes are crucial components of complete streets initiatives, which aim to create roadways that accommodate all users—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit.
Bicycle parking facilities: Bicycle parking facilities are designated areas where bicycles can be securely parked, often equipped with racks, lockers, or shelters to protect them from theft and weather elements. These facilities play a vital role in promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, particularly in urban environments where complete streets and road diets aim to enhance mobility and accessibility for all users, including cyclists.
Complete Streets: Complete streets are designed to provide safe and accessible transportation options for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transit riders. This approach aims to create a balanced transportation network that accommodates various modes of travel, enhancing mobility and promoting sustainable urban environments.
Complete Streets Policy: Complete streets policy is an urban planning approach that aims to design and implement roadways that are safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders. This policy promotes a balanced transportation system that prioritizes walkability, bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian networks while considering the needs of everyone in the community. It integrates features like bike lanes, wider sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and green spaces to create vibrant and inclusive urban environments.
Curb extensions: Curb extensions, also known as bulb-outs, are roadway design features that extend the curb line into the street at intersections or mid-block crossings. This design reduces the crossing distance for pedestrians, improves visibility between pedestrians and drivers, and can help calm traffic by narrowing the roadway. Curb extensions are a vital component in creating complete streets, promoting safer and more accessible urban environments while complementing road diets that reduce vehicle lanes and prioritize pedestrian and cyclist needs.
Curb ramps: Curb ramps are sloped transitions located at the edge of sidewalks and streets, designed to provide smooth access for pedestrians, especially those with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or strollers. They enhance the safety and usability of public spaces by allowing easy movement between sidewalks and roadways, which is essential for creating environments that support all users, including pedestrians and cyclists, in a complete streets framework.
Dedicated bus lanes: Dedicated bus lanes are specific roadways reserved exclusively for buses, allowing for faster and more efficient public transit. By separating bus traffic from general vehicular traffic, these lanes help reduce delays caused by congestion, thereby encouraging the use of public transportation. The implementation of dedicated bus lanes is an important feature in urban planning that enhances the overall efficiency of transit systems and promotes sustainable transportation options.
Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure refers to a network of natural and semi-natural systems designed to manage stormwater, enhance urban biodiversity, and improve overall environmental health. This approach integrates green spaces, such as parks and green roofs, into urban planning to support ecosystem functions while providing recreational and aesthetic benefits to communities.
Jeff Speck: Jeff Speck is a prominent urban planner and advocate for walkable cities, known for his work in promoting pedestrian-friendly design and urbanism. His ideas focus on creating environments that prioritize the needs of pedestrians over cars, emphasizing the importance of walkability for vibrant, sustainable communities. Speck's advocacy for well-designed public spaces connects closely to concepts like complete streets and road diets, which aim to balance transportation modes and enhance the pedestrian experience.
Level of Service: Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative measure used to evaluate the performance and capacity of transportation systems, typically expressed through letters (A to F) that indicate how well a road, intersection, or transit system meets the needs of users. This measure considers various factors such as traffic flow, speed, comfort, and safety, allowing urban planners to assess how different design choices affect overall usability. An improved level of service often results from incorporating features like complete streets and traffic demand management strategies that prioritize user experience and environmental sustainability.
Multimodal transportation: Multimodal transportation refers to the use of multiple modes of transport to move people or goods efficiently from one location to another. It integrates various transport systems, such as buses, trains, bicycles, and walking paths, providing a seamless travel experience. This approach not only improves connectivity and accessibility but also supports sustainable urban planning by reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Narrower travel lanes: Narrower travel lanes refer to reduced width of vehicle lanes on roads, typically implemented to promote safer and more efficient transportation. By decreasing lane width, space can be reallocated for other uses, like bike lanes or sidewalks, thus enhancing the overall functionality and safety of streets. This adjustment is key in creating a more balanced road design that accommodates various modes of transportation while maintaining traffic flow.
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO): The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is a nonprofit organization that represents cities in the United States and Canada, focusing on transportation issues. It promotes sustainable transportation solutions and best practices to improve urban mobility, emphasizing the importance of street design that accommodates all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. NACTO develops guidelines and resources that support the creation of complete streets and road diets, helping cities adopt innovative approaches to transportation planning.
Participatory Planning: Participatory planning is a collaborative approach to urban planning that actively involves community members in the decision-making process. This method not only ensures that the diverse voices of the community are heard but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents, making them integral to the shaping of their own environments.
Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrian crossings are designated areas on roadways where pedestrians can safely cross streets, typically marked by painted lines, signs, and sometimes traffic signals. These crossings enhance safety for walkers, promoting walkability in urban environments and encouraging a more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. They are essential components of complete streets and road diets, which aim to create balanced transportation systems that prioritize all users, including pedestrians.
Pedestrian injury rate: Pedestrian injury rate refers to the number of pedestrian injuries that occur per unit of population or per distance traveled, typically expressed as injuries per 100,000 individuals or per million vehicle miles. This metric is crucial in understanding the safety of roadways and the effectiveness of urban design strategies aimed at reducing pedestrian accidents. It provides insight into the risks pedestrians face in urban environments and can influence planning decisions regarding street design, traffic management, and safety improvements.
Public outreach: Public outreach refers to the efforts made by organizations, particularly in urban planning and community development, to engage and inform the community about projects, policies, and initiatives. It aims to build relationships with stakeholders, gather input, and foster a sense of ownership among residents. Effective public outreach is essential in creating supportive environments for changes like bicycle infrastructure and complete streets, as it helps ensure that community needs and concerns are considered in planning processes.
Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector companies, aimed at financing, designing, implementing, and managing public projects and services. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors, with the public sector providing oversight and regulation, while the private sector brings in expertise and capital to enhance efficiency and innovation in delivering public goods.
Raised crosswalks: Raised crosswalks are pedestrian crossings that are elevated above the surrounding roadway level, designed to improve safety and visibility for pedestrians. They are often integrated into complete street designs and road diets, promoting a more pedestrian-friendly environment by slowing down vehicular traffic and encouraging active transportation modes.
Road diets: Road diets are a traffic management strategy that involves reducing the number of lanes on a roadway to create more space for other uses such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings. This approach aims to enhance safety, promote active transportation, and improve the overall functionality of streets, aligning with the principles of complete streets that prioritize the needs of all users.
Safety for all users: Safety for all users refers to the principle of ensuring that transportation systems are designed to protect the health and well-being of all individuals who use them, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders. This concept emphasizes creating environments where everyone can travel without fear of injury or harm. It is closely linked to strategies like complete streets and road diets, which aim to accommodate various modes of transport and enhance the overall safety of roadways.
Tactile Paving: Tactile paving refers to special ground surface indicators that provide information to visually impaired individuals about their surroundings. This system includes textured surfaces that can be felt underfoot or with a cane, alerting users to hazards, transitions, or safe pathways. By integrating tactile paving into urban design, streets and sidewalks can become more accessible and navigable for all users, particularly in environments emphasizing safety and inclusivity.
Traffic Calming: Traffic calming refers to various design strategies used to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in urban environments. This approach often includes physical alterations to roadways, such as speed bumps, narrowed lanes, and enhanced crosswalks, which encourage drivers to slow down and be more mindful of their surroundings. By prioritizing pedestrian comfort and safety, traffic calming measures contribute significantly to creating more walkable and livable urban spaces.
Urban heat island effect: The urban heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and modifications to the landscape. This effect is mainly caused by factors such as increased concrete and asphalt surfaces, reduced vegetation, and waste heat generated from buildings and vehicles, which all contribute to elevated temperatures in cities. Understanding this effect is crucial for developing strategies to improve urban living conditions and address environmental concerns.
Vision Zero: Vision Zero is a road safety policy that aims to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries, recognizing that loss of life on the road is unacceptable. It promotes a proactive approach to safety by redesigning road infrastructure, implementing safer traffic laws, and changing societal attitudes towards road use. The concept encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including city planners, engineers, and public health officials, to create a safe transportation environment for all users.