The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently released a new policy for all new transportation projects it funds or oversees.
This policy, which Caltrans calls a “complete streets” policy, will expand the availability of sustainable transportation options to help meet the state’s climate, health and equity goals with the aim of providing safe and accessible options for people walking, biking and taking transit.
The agency commits to removing administrative barriers. It also commits to partnering with communities and local agencies to ensure more projects improve accessibility to destinations and connectivity to pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities.
Projects must receive approval from Caltrans before complete streets features can be excluded.
“California must reduce dependence on driving without sacrificing mobility and accessibility,” Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin said. “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.”
According to Caltrans, complete streets provide mobility for people of all ages and abilities. This is especially true for bicyclists, pedestrians, those riding transit and those using assistive mobility devices.
In addition, complete streets offer benefits, including enhancing safety.