I’ve heard the term “complete streets” thrown about, including recently by the Urban Land Institute panel. Shortly after their visit city council scheduled a vote about “complete streets.” I found a couple of links that helped, like this one from Smart Growth America and this one from Streetswiki. I also found a photo album of images of various “complete streets.” But what exactly is a “complete street” and what did the city council just vote on? For that answer, I turned to Caroline Cooley, president of Bike Walk Knoxville and she enlisted Monika Miller to help out.
Here’s Ms. Cooley:
The Complete Streets Ordinance was passed by the City Council on first reading and vote on Tuesday October 14th. This is great news for a city which still has many “incomplete” streets left over from a time when streets were designed for cars only, and little thought was given for those who get around without a personal motorized vehicle, whether it be by choice or by necessity. In contrast, complete streets are designed to enable safe access for users of all ages and abilities.
A Complete Streets Resolution was passed by the Council in 2009 and since then the city has strived to follow Complete Streets principles with many of its road projects. Bike/Walk Knoxville presented a workshop on Complete Streets to City Council in February encouraging council members to pursue the more formal and binding ordinance, which would institutionalize these policies. As the ordinance states, “[The city] shall adopt a Complete Streets Policy committing the City, to the maximum extent practical, to plan for, design, construct, maintain, and operate all streets to reflect Complete Streets principles and provide for a comprehensive and integrated street network that accommodates all users and modes.”
City Council unanimously approved the ordinance on first reading as they understand the numerous benefits of Complete Streets for our community. Complete Streets policies allow for planning, design and construction of road projects that fit the context of the local community. This means that children will be able to walk or bike safely to school in the parental responsibility zones. Seniors can continue to live in their own neighborhoods where they are able to walk (or bike!) to destinations or use appropriately designed bus stops. Networks of Complete Streets connect neighborhoods thereby enhancing livability and promoting incidental exercise. It was timely that last week the Urban Land Institute recommended that Henley Street be transformed into a Complete Street. Large streets such as Henley Street can become vibrant and inviting.
If the ordinance passes on second reading, the city is not required to immediately retrofit roadways, but when a new or retrofit project is planned Complete Street principles will be utilized. However, new subdivisions in the City of Knoxville fall under the jurisdiction of subdivision regulations, which are currently being revised by the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Bike/Walk Knoxville encourages the public to stay engaged with this important issue, knowing that if we had these policies all along, our neighborhoods and shopping centers would already have sidewalks and accommodations for cyclists.
Simply because the ordinance passed on the first reading does not guarantee its final passage. The second reading is on Tuesday, October 28th at 7:00 pm at the City County building.
Please join Bike/Walk Knoxville for the 3rd annual Ride with Elected Officials. Mayor Rogero and several council members are planning to attend. This would be a great time to thank them and show your support for cycling and walking.
Ride with Elected Officials
Tuesday, October 21st at 6pm
Bike Zoo, 5020 Whittaker Dr
I hope to see you there.
Caroline Cooley, Bike/Walk Knoxville President