Grand Rapids Opens First "Complete Street"

compiled from several sources>

Complete Streets is a concept designation which has already been enacted through legislation in 13 states. On June 24, 2010, it passed out of committee in the Michigan legislature.

The general idea is to make transportation thoroughfares more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, while not compromising motor vehicle travel. Another goal is to be respectful of the surrounding community features.

From an article in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal: "The complete streets concept focuses not just on individual roads but on changing the decision-making and design process so that all users are routinely considered during the planning, designing, building and operating of all roadways. It is about policy and institutional change."

Grand Rapids has just opened their first Complete Street, a section of Lake Drive, near Carlton Avenue. Bike lanes were added to the street and seating at bus stops. The Master Plan for Grand Rapids includes additional Complete Streets.

Organizations supporting the concept include the League of Michigan Bicyclists, Alliance for Biking and Walking, and the National Complete Streets Coalition.

See Complete Streets: We Can Get There from Here, in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal
See National Complete Streets Coalition
See Michigan Complete Streets
See Grand Rapids WZZM Lake Street article
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