State Rep. Byrnes secures Complete Streets law

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

What makes a street complete? Bike lanes, accessible bus stops, pedestrian crossings?

Yes, yes, and yes. Earlier this month, Michigan became the 14th state to adopt Complete Streets legislation, the idea for which is to include sidewalks, bike lanes, special bus lanes, crossing opportunities, and other features that benefit pedestrians, cyclists, and users of public transportation.

State Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Chelsea, one of the bill's sponsors, called the Complete Streets program a "very important planning tool" that needs to be taken into consideration for transportation needs beyond vehicles.

"I'm a baby boomer, so I'm going to be approaching that time when I might not be able to drive," she says. "I want to make sure that there is accessibility if I'm walking or taking public transit. We have to look at the whole transportation system."

Through communication with the affected municipality, the Michigan Department of Transportation will be required to consider uses of roads beyond vehicles when planning, developing, and constructing roads. Cities and townships will also be encouraged to look at Complete Streets when updating their master plans.

Multiple modes of transportation are healthier than driving, especially walking and bicycling, Byrnes points out. Plus, there are environmental concerns from creating too much pollution.

Although in the 1950s and '60s the focus was on vehicles and the attendant urban sprawl, now the money is on denser urban populations. "Studies show growth in those areas," she says.

It wasn't easy to get everyone on board, from MDOT to bicyclists to retirement advocacy groups to municipal groups, but the number of interested people is undeniable. "We were able to accommodate most of the concerns," she adds. "I think it's a huge success and I'm very happy with it."

Source: State Rep. Pam Byrnes
Writer: Kristin Lukowski