Complete Streets and Implementation in Small Towns

Abstract

As our transportation networks and infrastructure have become more and more focused on automobiles, we have seen a number of problems, such as traffic congestion, environmental damage, and health concerns. To combat this issue, there is a growing movement towards complete streets, which allow equal access for all modes of transportation. A large portion of this article extensively explores the concept of complete streets from both an international and domestic (US) perspective. In doing so, we identify many different ways cities across the world have implemented complete streets or increased transportation equity, which has led to a multitude of societal benefits. However, the report also notes that most of these improvements have been made in urban settings, where it is easier to implement complete streets due to existing infrastructure, smaller distance between destination places, and ample financial resources. Complete streets are much more difficult to implement within small towns in rural settings, which is problematic since these residents often have the least opportunity to use active transportation modes. The final section of the report identifies these challenges within rural communities, offers suggestions regarding complete street planning in these areas, and provides an in-depth process for implementing complete streets in small towns.