Posted under Transportation
Transportation is a major problem in Maryland, particularly here in District 30. People spend a lot of time struck in traffic. We’ve been adding more lanes for years and things only get worse.
There is no silver bullet, but there are some fresh approaches to transportation that hold promise. One idea I’d put near the top of the list is called Complete Streets.
What is a Complete Street? Here is a definition from the National Coalition for Complete Streets:
Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to safely move along and across a complete street.
Creating complete streets means transportation agencies must change their orientation toward building primarily for cars. Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation agencies routinely design and operate the entire right of way to enable safe access for all users. Places with complete streets policies are making sure that their streets and roads work for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists, as well as for older people, children, and people with disabilities.
A complete street can mean different things in different places. In a city, a complete street may include a sidewalk, pedestrian crossings, a bike lane and a bus lane. In a rural area a complete street might simply have a well defined shoulder for biking and walking.
How can Complete Streets help tackle traffic congestion?
Designing streets only for automobiles reduces opportunities for safe travel choices that can ease traffic congestion: walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation. Americans drove almost three trillion miles in 2008, and many of those trips were very short. Half of all trips are three miles or less and 28% are one mile or less.
…Currently, short bicycling and walking trips account for 23 billion miles traveled annually. Shifting even a small portion of travelers out of single occupancy vehicles can have a big effect on congestion. In 2008, when national vehicle miles traveled (VMT) dropped by 3.6% , congestion plunged 30% in the nation’s 100 most congested areas.
Complete Streets can also reduce traffic accidents, improve air quality and help children get physical activity and gain independence.
In 2000, Maryland became one of a handful of states to adopt a Complete Streets policy. But there has not been adequate follow through. A 2009 study found Maryland “ranks 49th among the 50 states in per capita spending of federal transportation funds on bicycling and walking projects. The study puts Maryland’s per capita spending on such projects at 45 cents – compared with a national average of $1.46.”
We need to strengthen our policy and invest in Complete Streets throughout Maryland. (In Annapolis, Forrest Drive would be prime candidate.) Although state transpiration dollars are scarce, this is an area where federal grant money could be available.
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