What is National Complete Streets Coalition and why does our Mayor not know about it.

I was recently (a couple of months ago) at a town hall style meeting in Kansas City with the Mayor. It was sponsored by a pedestrian and cyling advocay group. Toward the end of the meeting someone asked what type of Complete Streets program was in place for KC. The Mayor replied,

"Complete streets? I don't know what that is, what is that?"

Being fairly new to advocacy myself I realized even I did not understand complete streets or the history of it. I thought I would share with you all.

Borrowed from the Complete Streets site:

The National Complete Streets Coalition                                      

"The streets of our cities and towns are an important part of the livability of our communities. They ought to be for everyone, whether young or old, motorist or bicyclist, walker or wheelchair user, bus rider or shopkeeper. But too many of our streets are designed only for speeding cars, or worse, creeping traffic jams.


Now, in communities across the country, a movement is growing to complete the streets. States, cities and towns are asking their planners and engineers to build road networks that are safer, more livable, and welcoming to everyone.

Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities."

The sight itself is very easy to navigate and host a wealth of information that is relevant to the cause.

Additionally they have a great blog too
http://www.completestreets.org/news-blog/blog/

I would like to encourage anyone interested in learning more about alternative transportation and/or wanting to be involved to check out their site and join.

See you on the road!
Peace, Bill