What Are Complete Streets?

Across America, a movement is afoot to build Complete Streets that allow people to get around safely.

Complete Streets facilitate many forms of transportation, including walking, bicycling, taking public transit, and driving. Over 1,400 US cities, regions, and states have implemented Complete Streets policies. Complete Streets is a proven policy approach that creates healthier, more equitable communities. Health benefits include reduced traffic and fewer traffic collisions, more active living and exercise opportunities, and better air quality for surrounding neighborhoods. Complete Streets also increase economic opportunity by improving access to local institutions and businesses through alternate modes of transportation. And Complete Streets policies can help address infrastructure and investment disparities in underserved communities.

ChangeLab Solutions created this fact sheet to provide advocates and community members with an overview of the benefits of Complete Streets policies. If you are looking to promote Complete Streets by enacting a resolution, a state statute, or a local ordinance, or if you’d like to revise your comprehensive plan to include Complete Streets, see the resources listed below for models and findings that you can tailor and use in your community.