Baltimore Approves Complete Streets Ordinance

"Baltimore lawmakers voted unanimously Monday to back new 'complete streets' legislation aimed at requiring the city's transportation department to provide more bike lanes, sidewalks and public transit options," reports Luke Broadwater.

"The legislation… is designed to pressure city planners to avoid the practice of years past when they designed a city for cars over other forms of transit," adds Broadwater.

City Councilmember Ryan Dorsey, who sponsored the legislation, made the case for the legislation as a climate change measure, in addition to the intended benefits in traffic safety.

In addition to setting design and planning priority for walking, biking, and public transit, the legislation also establishes the Complete Streets Coordinating Council, tasked with holding the city to its complete streets commitment.