Streets are key public spaces, and often make up a major proportion of the land in a given town or area.  Across America, streets are frequently built with the sole goal of moving cars, with little thought about the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users.  Such streets can lead to traffic congestion, pollution, and collision injuries. These streets also discourage people from incorporating physical activity into their daily lives. When streets are designed only for cars, they are dangerous for everyone else.

The good news is that local and state governments have the power to make communities healthier by implementing laws and policies that support Complete Streets. When communities adopt Complete Streets policies, they change how streets are designed and built, so that residents of all ages and abilities can travel easily and safely along community streets, whether they are walking, biking, or riding the bus. By taking the needs of all users into account, streets can be designed to be friendly and accessible for everyone. Designing the streets for lower speeds may be enough to make some safer; other streets may require features such as frequent crosswalks, accessible transit stops and pedestrian signals, median islands, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes. Complete Streets features are only required when streets are newly built or reconstructed, which means that their cost is incorporated into budgeted transportation projects.

NPLAN's Complete Streets policy package provides a variety of options for local and state policymakers interested in creating streets that accomodate all modes of transport. The package includes model resolutions, laws, and comprehensive plan language that can be adapted by municipalities and states across the country.There is also a fact sheet that explains the benefits of Complete Streets in plain language.

Complete Streets Webinar
In January 2010, NPLAN hosted a training on Complete Streets policy to introduce public health advocates and policymakers to basic concepts and the forthcoming NPLAN resources.The webinar also featured street design policy action in Columbia, MO, which has used street design to improve walkability and bike-ability for several years.

Webinar Agenda & Presentations
Each presentation is available for download:

Complete Streets: What are they and why should we care
Paul Zykofsky, Local Government Commission

Complete Streets for Healthy Communities
Sara Zimmerman, NPLAN Attorney

Street Design Standards Campaign
Ian Thomas, PedNet (Columbia, MO)

Legal Technical Assistance to Create Healthier Communities
Stephanie Stevens, NPLAN Staff Attorney

You may also access the webinar on WebEx. In order to view the recorded presentation, you will need to install the free ARF Player.