Streets are a vital part of livable, attractive communities. All people ought to have safe, comfortable, and convenient access to community destinations and public places-whether walking, driving, bicycling, moving actively with assistive devices, or taking public transportation. Unfortunately, too many of our streets prioritize vehicle transportation over walking and bicycling.
The City of Peoria adopted a Complete Streets Policy in October 2015 and aims to provide safe and accessible transportation options to people of all ages and abilities, whether walking, biking, riding the bus, or driving.
Automobile-focused transportation planning has created inequities in access and mobility for many, including older adults, children, people with disabilities, low-income families, and people of color. These groups are more likely to rely on walking, bicycling, and public transit and experience increased marginalization when transportation equity is not prioritized.
Complete Streets are roadways that can be safely accessed, crossed, traveled upon, and alongside by all people, regardless of their age, ability or travel mode. A connected network of Complete
Streets will ensure healthier, more equitable transportation options and an improved quality of life for all community residents, including the city’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations.
There is no single formula or prescription for a Complete Street. The design is “complete” when it speaks to the needs of its users within the context of the surrounding area. Not every Complete Street will (or should) include all of these elements, but the following list represents the key concepts underlying Complete Streets:
