New York State has embraced a transformative approach to urban and community development with the Complete Streets initiative. Born from the Complete Streets Act (Chapter 398, Laws of New York), signed into law on August 15, 2011, this legislation mandates that state, county, and local agencies prioritize the safety and convenience of all users when undertaking transportation projects that receive state and federal funding. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is actively integrating these principles into its core policies and operational procedures. This initiative serves as a catalyst to build upon existing programs and foster collaboration with diverse groups, including cyclists, pedestrians, individuals with disabilities, and community stakeholders, to identify and implement best practices in transportation infrastructure design.
NYSDOT recognizes that strengthening the Complete Streets framework requires a dual approach: internal evaluation and external input from those who utilize and depend on the transportation network daily – individuals, organizations, and communities across New York. Feedback and insights regarding Complete Streets in New York State are encouraged and can be directed to [email protected].
Understanding Complete Streets in New York
But what exactly defines a “Complete Street” in the context of New York’s diverse urban and rural landscapes? A Complete Street is fundamentally a roadway that is meticulously planned and designed to ensure safe and convenient access and mobility for all road users, regardless of age or ability. This inclusive approach considers the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, and motorists alike. It accounts for the diverse needs of children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, ensuring that the Streets Of New York are accessible and navigable for everyone.
The design of Complete Streets in New York incorporates a variety of features aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility. These elements include well-maintained sidewalks, clear lane striping, dedicated bicycle lanes, paved shoulders suitable for cyclists, comprehensive signage, marked crosswalks, pedestrian control signals, bus pull-outs to minimize traffic disruption, curb cuts for wheelchair accessibility, raised crosswalks for pedestrian priority, ramps, and various traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and improve overall street safety.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Complete Streets in New York
The Complete Streets Act itself highlights the significant advantages of this approach, emphasizing its contribution to a “cleaner, greener transportation system.” By promoting active forms of transportation, Complete Streets encourage more citizens to engage in walking and cycling, leading to improved public health outcomes. Simultaneously, this shift towards active transport modes can contribute to a reduction in traffic congestion and automobile-related air pollution, creating more sustainable and livable streets of New York.
A compelling 2015 study by Smart Growth America, titled Safer Streets, Stronger Economies , provided empirical evidence of these benefits. The study found that Complete Streets projects consistently improved safety for all road users, led to increased rates of biking and walking, and demonstrated varied impacts on automobile traffic, often resulting in reductions depending on the specific project objectives. Furthermore, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) study, The Economic Benefits of Sustainable Streets, revealed “convincing evidence that improved accessibility and a more welcoming street environment… generate[d] increases in retail sales in the project areas.” This underscores the economic revitalization potential of Complete Streets in New York, making streets not only safer and more accessible but also more economically vibrant.
Implementing Complete Streets Across New York State
The responsibility for implementing Complete Streets in New York falls on both the New York State Department of Transportation and local agencies, primarily counties and municipalities.
The state law is applicable to all projects undertaken by NYSDOT and to locally managed projects that receive both federal and state funding and are subject to NYSDOT oversight. While projects funded entirely at the local level are not mandated to adhere to the Complete Streets law, local agencies have the autonomy to adopt Complete Streets practices voluntarily. Many local agencies in New York have already demonstrated their commitment to this approach, with numerous Complete Streets resolutions and policies publicly available on the Counties and Municipalities with Resolutions page. This growing adoption across the state signifies a widespread recognition of the value and importance of creating Complete Streets for all New Yorkers.
