Complete Streets Act Signed Into Law In California

"Last month Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 1358, the Complete Streets Act, making California the first state in the nation to ensure that all local streets and roads accommodate the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders, as well as motorists.

Fourteen states, including California, have adopted legislation, resolutions or internal policies that apply Complete Streets principles to state highways. Only California has enacted Complete Streets legislation for all local streets and roads.

The new law requires cities and counties, when updating their general plans, to ensure that local streets and roads meet the needs of all users. The law takes effect in January 2011, when the Governor's Office of Planning and Research issues new general plan update guidelines that reflect Complete Streets planning principles.

The signing of AB 1358 represents the California Bicycle Coalition's biggest legislative success to date."