Title
To express support of Complete Streets principles.
Body
WHEREAS, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a Complete Street; and
WHEREAS, Columbus traffic engineers and transportation division officials are currently studying Complete Streets principles to ensure that whenever possible, the entire right of way of every Columbus roadway is designed and operated to enable safe access for all users; and
WHEREAS, a good Complete Streets policy contains the following elements:
· Specifies that "all users" includes pedestrians, bicyclists, motorized two-wheel vehicles, transit vehicles and users and motorists of all ages and abilities
· Recognizes the need for flexibility: that all streets are different and user needs will be balanced
· Is adoptable by all agencies to cover all roads
· Applies to both new and retrofit projects, including design, planning, maintenance, and operations, for the entire right of way
· Makes any exceptions specific and sets a clear procedure that requires high-level approval of exceptions
· Directs the use of the latest and best design standards, including traffic calming where appropriate and environmentally friendly elements
· Directs that Complete Streets solutions fit in with the context of the community
· Establishes performance standards with measurable outcomes; and
WHEREAS, an effective Complete Streets policy should prompt agencies to:
· Restructure their procedures to accommodate all users on every project
· Re-write their design manuals to encompass the safety of all users
· Re-train planners and engineers in balancing the needs of diverse users
· Create new data collection procedures to track how well the streets are serving all users; and
WHEREAS, both the Columbus Comprehensive Plan and the recently adopted Bicentennial Bikeways Plan recommend that Columbus adopt Complete Streets principles; now, the...
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