Comprehensive Transportation Policy (Concord's Complete Streets Policy) Scored 100th out of 100 for 2013
Smart Growth America & The National Complete Streets Coalition have released their February 2014 report: "The Best Complete Streets Policies of 2013".
More than 80 jurisdictions adopted policies in 2013 and Concord's policy was evaluated at 100th out of 100 in the category of cities who have adopted policies. The 2012 report rated Concord's policy 65th out of 65.
The top policies, out of 610 nationwide, included Littleton, MA at number 1 - scoring 94.4%, Portsmouth, NH at number 7 - scoring 86.0%, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in an 11th place tie - scoring 80.8%. Concord, NH scored 27.2% - the lowest in it's category of City Policy.
So what's it take to reach the top? The National Complete Streets Coalition uses the following criteria to rate the policies it analyzes:
The National Complete Streets Coalition promotes a comprehensive policy model that includes ten ideal elements:
- Vision: The policy establishes a motivating vision for why the community wants to Complete Streets: for improved safety, better health, increased efficiency, convenience of choices or other reasons.
- All users and modes: The policy specifies that “all modes” includes walking, bicycling, riding public transportation, driving trucks, buses and automobiles and “all users” includes people of all ages and abilities.
- All projects and phases: All types of transportation projects are subject to the policy, including design, planning, construction, maintenance, and operations of new and existing streets and facilities.
- Clear, accountable exceptions: Any exceptions to the policy are specified and approved by a high-level official.
- Network: The policy recognizes the need to create a comprehensive, integrated and connected network for all modes and encourages street connectivity.
- Jurisdiction: All other agencies that govern transportation activities can clearly understand the policy’s application and may be involved in the process as appropriate.
- Design: The policy recommends use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines, while recognizing the need for flexibility to balance user needs.
- Context sensitivity: The current and planned context—buildings, land use and transportation needs—is considered in planning and design solutions for transportation projects.
- Performance measures: The policy includes performance standards with measurable outcomes.
- Implementation steps: Specific next steps for implementing the policy are described.
As our Concord, NH City Council considers what steps we will take to make our streets accessible, Complete Streets is an important tool. As a community we can choose to develop a Complete Streets Policy to be proud of. More important than our pride is designing & building safe infrastructure for all users of all ages and abilities.
On February 3rd, 2014 the City Council met to discuss their priorities for Concord, NH in the years 2014-2015. My letter to the Mayor and City Council members was published on Concord Patch. This asked them to consider Complete Streets and infrastructure projects, with suggestions for improving both Loudon Road and Main Street for all users and to make cycling a safe choice for all would-be cyclists.
We have an opportunity to make Main Street a complete street for all users. Unfortunately the current design continues to perpetuate our car centric culture with a design which will not welcome all. The Comprehensive Transportation Policy (our Complete Streets policy) was rated last at 100th out of 100. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that the Complete Streets Improvement Project (Main Street Project) fails to meet the goals of Complete Streets. After all our policy only earned 27.2%.
As a community we can build a better future but this requires more than lip service to Complete Streets. We need to build infrastructure that provides choice.
Participate for solutions:
Important policies at the federal (Safe Streets Act of 2014) and state (2014 HB1485 Vulnerable Users) level are opportunities to strengthen Complete Streets legislation.
In Concord we need to continue to insist that Complete Streets be more than a policy no one can find on the city web site. Support revision and encourage the Concord City Council to adopt a Complete Streets policy worthy of it's name. We can choose to be an exemplary community for Complete Streets policy and infrastructure with Main Street, Loudon Road and other projects. Let's get off the bottom of the list the next time around.
Consider - we could put parking in it's place!
Care to participate in research on bicycling - no experience needed:
Consider - we could put parking in it's place!
Care to participate in research on bicycling - no experience needed:
"...survey to find out how comfortable people feel bicycling in different places ... taking a short online survey (10-20 minutes, depending on how many questions you choose to answer). ... to hear from a wide range of people, including those who do not bike at all ...Thanks for your assistance!" Nick Foster, AICP, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Portland State UniversityEnhance your life, try riding for transportation, explore your world by bicycle. You may discover your own solutions and the transforming power of a bicycle.
Please get involved for a better future. Insist that our transportation infrastructure projects are designed for all users of all ages and abilities.
