California is Complete!

There is no more waiting- California has officially signed into law the Complete Streets Act of 2008. Thanks to Governor Schwarzenegger, who signed the law on September 30, 2008, California cities and counties must incorporate complete streets policies into general planning. As of January 2011, "any substantive revision of the circulation element in the general plan of a California local government will include complete streets provisions." First, what is a complete street? A complete street is one that is designed to accommodate all users including but not limited to walkers, bikers, those with disabilities, and drivers.  And in California by January 2001, all streets must fit this description 

California Assemblyman Leno says that, "Getting people out of their cars and riding bicycles or the bus improves public health, air quality, eases congestion and reduces greenhouse emissions."  In addition, the complete streets will shift the focus from moving automobiles to moving people.  People will become the energy source.  This shift will also change high traffic areas as well as make roads wider.

In California, the city's hope is that with the Complete Streets Law in motion, the local government can build and plan for roadways that are safe and accessible for all transportation venues. California is currently one of six states that has complete streets legislation, and more than 70 other jurisdictions have adopted a form of complete street measures or are considering taking the steps towards creating complete streets.

Where did this all begin and where is it going? Complete streets bills were first introduced to the U.S. Senate and House in March of this year advocating for safe and convenient travel for all modes of transportation: walkers, bikers, transit users, individuals of all ages and individuals with disabilities. Ellen Ginzler, AARP Senior Vice President for Livable Communities states that, "More Americans age 50+ are trying to leave their cars behind but face obstacles as soon as they walk out the door, climb on their bikes or head for the bus." Safety is a major issue.  As complete streets are signed into law, more people will be able to use alternative modes of transportation and still feel safe.  The National Complete Streets Coalition focuses in on the lack of physical infrastructure and barriers to active living that Ellen mentions, to advocate for policy level changes to support long-standing complete streets in communities. 

 http://www.completestreets.org/CaliforniaCS.html