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Complete Streets:Guide to Answering the Costs Question

Companion Presentation, Part 1

“We can’t afford to build Complete Streets.”

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Why is this such a loaded statement?

…Because they are really saying:

“Is building multi-modal streets worth it?”

“How can I add all this extra stuff to my stretched transportation budget?”

“You don’t understand the constraints of my profession.”

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Give Real Examples

Dan Burden

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Give Real Examples

Dan Burden

Four Answers:

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1. Complete Streets policies are necessary to accommodate existing users.

2. Complete Streets can be achieved within existing budgets.

3. Complete Streets can lead to new transportation funding opportunities.

4. Complete Streets add lasting value.

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Complete Streets policies are necessary to accommodate

existing users.

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Use with: Transportation professionals, officials, general public

Complete Streets policies are necessary to accommodate

existing users.

Ways to make the point…

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• Photos

– People walking along ‘goat trails’

– Wheelchair users unable to access sidewalks

– Bus stops without sidewalks

• Census statistics

– Residents without access to cars

– Community mode split

• A map of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in your community

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Use visuals: pedestrian deaths

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Example: Cary, Illinois

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This bridge providesthe only accessacross the Fox River.In 2000, 17-year-oldNate Oglesby diedtrying to cross it on hisbicycle; two teens haddied previously.

Example: Cary, Illinois

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Nate’s family won a wrongful death lawsuit and the community pressed the Illinois DOT to retrofit the bridge, at far greater cost than doing it right the first time.

Example: Cobb County, Georgia

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Use statistics: New Orleans

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10.3% of residents do not have access to a car.

8.4% walk, bike, and take transit to work.

Jason Toney

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"If you ever saw someone in a wheelchair going down a busy lane of traffic, it scares you to death. You can see their vulnerability.”

– Rhonda Frisby, of the Anderson, South Carolina chapter of the

Physically Handicapped Society

Dr. Scott Crawford

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“The idea of making streets more accessible to walkers, bikers, wheelchairs, bus riders

and everyone else isn’t about service to “special interests.” Complete streets is

about being inclusive — recognizing that quality of life requires more than four-lane

arterials and chip sealed avenues.”– Billings Gazette Editorial Board

Charlotte, NC DOT

Charlotte DOT

Smart Growth America is the only national organization dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide.

www.smartgrowthamerica.org

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