NEWS from
Sacramento
Caltrans Planning &
Design calls
for ‘Complete Streets’
December 2021 Sacramento,
CA___
Caltrans
announced Monday December 20th, its new policy for all new
transportation projects it funds or oversees to include complete street features
that provide safe and accessible options for people walking, biking and taking
transit. This policy will expand the availability of sustainable transportation
options to help meet the state’s climate, health and equity goals.
“California must reduce dependence on driving without sacrificing mobility
and accessibility,” said Caltrans Director
Toks Omishakin.
“As Caltrans and local transportation agencies prepare for the influx of
new federal infrastructure funding, it is important that we provide safe,
convenient, sustainable and accessible alternatives to driving to achieve our
climate goals while equitably serving all Californians.”
A complete street provides mobility for
people of all ages and abilities, particularly those who are walking, biking,
using assistive mobility devices, and riding transit. Complete streets offer
several benefits, including enhancing safety and creating more sustainable
transportation options to decrease dependence on driving and improving public
health by encouraging active transportation like walking and biking.
As part of
the new policy, Caltrans commits to remove administrative barriers and partner
with communities and local agencies to ensure more projects on state and local
transportation systems improve the connectivity to pedestrian, bicycle and
transit facilities, and accessibility to destinations. If not appropriate to
the context or community of the project, projects must receive approval from
Caltrans before complete streets features are excluded.