Chapter 06 · Governance & regulationDevelopment, Impact & Global Frameworks
Complete streets
Definition
Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing and operating streets so that they safely accommodate everyone who uses them — pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, motorists and freight — regardless of age or ability. As policy, a Complete Streets policy formalises this commitment; Smart Growth America's National Complete Streets Coalition defines ten elements of a strong policy, from vision and user coverage to implementation steps and performance measures.
References
policy definition; ten elements
all users/ages/abilities approach
Overview
What it means
It makes multi-modal access the default rather than an afterthought in road projects.
How it is used
Hundreds of US jurisdictions have adopted Complete Streets policies; the approach informs road-diets, protected bike lanes, accessible crossings and street retrofits worldwide.
Why it matters
Streets are the largest public space in most cities; designing them for all users advances safety, public health, emissions reduction and equity together.