Complete streets policies have existed since the early 1970s. These policies typically require that all road construction and reconstruction create streets that are safe and convenient for all users and all modes of transportation. The purpose of this project is to examine the equity and active living-oriented components of complete streets policies. Specifically, the project will examine which implementation provisions are likely to lead to better and more equitable implementation in communities and to projects focused on facilitating active living (e.g., walking, biking). The research team will conduct a quantitative policy analysis of existing complete streets policies to assess the inclusion of equity and active living-oriented provisions, and examine the extent to which the policies apply to only new developments versus improvements/redevelopments. They will compile demographic and socioeconomic data for jurisdictions with complete streets policies and use the data to evaluate the variability in policy existence and content. The team will also conduct interviews with a sample of jurisdictions that adopted complete streets policies at least five years ago to identify policy strategies that are likely to lead to better and more equitable implementation of complete streets policies.
Examining Equity in Complete Streets Policies
Start Date: October 2015
ID #: CAS030
Organization: University of Illinois Chicago
Project Lead: Jamie Chriqui
State: National
Resource Type: Commissioned Research Project Summary
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Keywords: Community setting, Legal, Physical activity, Urban
Focus Area: Healthy Weight
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