Could a Petition Sway the U.S. DOT to Change Its Ancient Road Classification System?

"Complete streets are among the most pressing needs for both urban and suburban revitalization — yet efforts to change roads to accommodate all users are stymied daily by road standards determined by the US functional classification system."

"Now a petition is circulating that could initiate the first change in this system in five or six decades. The designations arterial, collector, and local would not change —they are too deeply imbedded in the system. Yet these designations are further divided into rural or urban locations. The petition seeks to add a third location category — suburban."

"What does that matter? The change would make smart growth projects easier. It could help boost walking and bicycling, complete streets, and active living."