After the death of a well-known Indianapolis cyclist and growing pedestrian death rates, the city expanded on its 2012 Complete Streets ordinance to highlight equity and renew efforts to make streets safer.
An article by Kayla Dwyer in the Indianapolis Star highlights the Indianapolis City Council’s renewed efforts to implement a Complete Streets policy. Originally passed in 2012, the city’s Complete Streets ordinance “drifted to the background.” Now, with pedestrian death rates rising and the death of a prominent local cyclist, the city council has issued updates to the policy. “The revised ordinance, adopted by the council Monday night, gets far more specific, and includes an expanded emphasis on transparency and equity.”
The legislation calls for applying Complete Streets principles to all types of projects and adds new performance metrics and reporting requirements. “[City-County Councilor John Barth] said the intention behind this revised policy is to compel the department to report publicly any instances of Complete Streets elements not being implemented after the design process is complete. The revision also requires DPW to identify barriers to Complete Streets implementation and potential solutions.” The ordinance also establishes a formal process for evaluating dangerous intersections and assessing potential safety improvements.
Department of Public Works director Dan Parker says DPW supports the updates, but cautions that the department needs more sustainable funding sources to achieve its goals.
FULL STORY: Complete Streets' 2.0: Eyeing safety, Indianapolis revises 10-year-old road design policy
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Southeast LA Road Safety Advocates Call for Improved Infrastructure
Streets in southeastern Los Angeles County have a severe lack of protected bike lanes and traffic safety measures, leading to high numbers of fatalities in a community where many residents depend on walking and biking for daily needs.
Jacksonville Takes Action on Vision Zero
The city is implementing its first-ever Vision Zero Action Plan in an effort to reduce pedestrian and cyclist deaths and serious injuries.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)