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ODOT’s Complete StreetsInitiative

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Tipping Point for Complete Streets

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Grassroots Focus

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Federal FocusComplete Streets Act of 2009

• Has not passed but directs state DOTs and MPOs to adopt policies and apply them to federally funded transportation projects.

• States that do not comply could have a small percentage of their transportation funds directed toward safety projects.

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DOT 2010 Policy Statement

US DOT has formulated key recommendations for state DOTsand communities:

• Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.

• Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities. • Go beyond minimum design standards. • Collect data on walking and biking trips. • Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling. • Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way

roadways are protected (for example, snow removal) • Improve non-motorized facilities during maintenance projects.

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State Focus

“As the demand for populous, walkable

neighborhoods also matures in Ohio,

there will be a growing need to fund

“complete streets.”

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Preparing for the Future

Over the coming decades, more people will walk, bike and ride mass

transit to reach jobs and essential services. Trends being driven by:• Changes in technology• Concerns about climate change/pollution (26% of CO2 from

transportation sources in Ohio) • Concerns about energy dependence• Fluctuations in energy costs• Aging populations (26% of Ohio population over 60 by 2030)• Obesity rates (30% of Ohio adults)• Tightening federal, state and local budgets , which will make it

increasingly difficult to add and maintain new infrastructure

Increasing Investments

Access the complete report at: www.PeoplePoweredMovement.org/Benchmarking

Complete Streets Policy

• Draft policy developed and being reviewed for adoption• Developed by internal staff and local government

representatives

Draft Policy Highlights

• Complete streets shall be considered through the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of new and rehabilitated transportation facilities within public rights of way.

• These include facilities that are owned or maintained by ODOT and improvements for which Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and local governments are receiving federal funding allocated by ODOT.

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Factors driving investment …

• Land use• Population densities• Gaps in connectivity• Adopted area comprehensive plans• MPO bicycle and pedestrian plans• Crash incidents• Key community facilities such as schools, and

employment centers

Draft Policy HighlightsDesign considerations include, but are not limited to:• Walkways/sidewalks• Bike lanes, shared lanes, wide paved shoulders• Special bus lanes• Comfortable and accessible transit stops• Frequent and enhanced crossing opportunities• Median islands• Accessible ped signals• Curb extensions • Landscaping

Draft Policy Highlights

Engineering judgment should be used to develop a typical

section that accommodates all modes of transportation

while balancing various safety concerns.

Draft Policy Highlights

Not all streets and roads may need treatments to be complete.

• Many low-speed, low-volume residential streets can be considered complete because people and vehicles interact safely in the right-of-way.

• Other roads may have

limited current or projected

demand .

Draft Policy Highlights

Accommodation shall be made and documented

through the PDP. District environmental coordinators will

verify policy compliance. Training/QARs will be conducted.

Draft Policy Highlights

A Complete Streets Review Committee may be created to

review:

• Projects with costs exceeding $5 million• Projects in which the primary objective/purpose and need

statement is based on Complete Streets.

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Pilot Projects

• Dayton Tech Corridor• Broadway Street Road Diet (Dayton)• Summit and Fourth (Columbus) • W. Broad Street Corridor• 70/71 Split (Columbus)• SR 3 (Blendon Twp.)• 12th Street (Canton)

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Opportunities for Change

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Less than ideal Ideal

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Re-Allocating Space

Shoulder bikeways on rural roads

Shared-lane markings “Sharrows”

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Challenges

• Funding• Maintenance• Community Tradeoffs• Design Standards• ROW• Divided Public Opinion

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Car-Centric

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Transportation Choices

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For more information ...

Michelle May, ODOT Safety Program

michelle.may@dot.state.oh.us

Heather Bowden, ODOT Bike/Pedestrian Planner

heather.bowden@dot.state.oh.us