1D, Discussion on Support & Endorsing Proposed Legislation

Home Browse Search

Background Related to Complete Streets • Complete Streets is a flexible transportation planning and design process that considers the safety and accessibility needs of all users. Complete Streets is not _ a prescriptive roadway design. Individual "complete" street designs vary based on context, including topography, road function, the speed of traffic, pedestrian and bicycle demand, local land use, and other factors. • State Senator Tony Lourey (Kerrick) and State Representative Mike Obermueller (Eagan) will introduce Complete Streets legislation during the 2010 legislative session. • The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is working to create a partnership of state agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders to develop and implement a Mn/DOT policy on Complete Streets. • In December 2009, Mn/DOT released a legislatively mandated Comp,lete Streets Rem, which includes a recommendation for Mn/DOT to work in partnership with representatives of relevant stakeholders to develop a Complete Streets policy. The report also articulates the important connection between Complete Streets and Context-Sensitive Solutions, which together support building roads that better fit local needs and contexts and help save money. • Mn/DOT Commissioner Thomas Sorel has spoken publicly about the benefits of Complete Streets and his commitment to taking a leadership role on implementation of a Complete Streets policy. _ • Between 1999 and 2008, 417 pedestrians and 84 bicyclists were killed and more than 10,000 pedestrians and more than 9,000 bicyclists were injured on Minnesota's roads. • Complete Streets is a national movement with policies adopted by 12 states and more than 100 cities and counties, including Rochester, Hennepin County, St. Paul, and Albert Lea. • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota Department of Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, American Heart Association, HealthPartners, and other public health officials in Minnesota and across the country have called for Complete Streets as an important public health tool in fighting the obesity epidemic by supporting exercise as a part of daily life. • The Complete Streets concept is also supported by AARP, Urban Land Institute of Minnesota, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Minnesota - Environmental Partnership, and many other transportation, planning, and public health professionals. The Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition has more than 45 member organizations that support the concept of Complete Streets and a state Complete Streets policy.