Complete Streets Week in Burlington

Posted September 9th, 2010

Complete Streets Week: Help Make our Streets Safe and Walkable!

On September 20, local volunteers will team up with AARP Vermont and Local Motion to survey crosswalks and intersections in Burlington and shed light on the dangers pedestrians face as they walks on their streets and sidewalks. Volunteers will evaluate how these roads address walkers’ needs, such as whether there are adequate traffic signals, crossing signals and properly marked crosswalks or if there is enough time to cross streets.

This effort is part of a week-long statewide campaign called “Complete Streets Week: Making Vermont Walkable for All Generations,” which aims to survey intersections across the state. The results will be used to demonstrate the need for state Complete Streets legislation which would assure that road design incorporates the needs of all people, including cyclists, people with disabilities, and those who travel without a car.

Residents of Burlington are invited to participate in surveying several city intersections on Monday, September 20^th at 11:30 a.m. People will gather at UVM’s Pearl House, 2 Colchester Avenue (next to the intersection of Colchester Ave. and Prospect St.) where they will receive instructions, surveys and more information on Complete Streets. Everyone is welcome – young and old! For more information about the event contact Kathy Mathis at 318-0905 or kmathis14@yahoo.com. Individuals and organizations can become Complete Streets supporters. Email your name and contact info to AARP at vt@aarp.org.

Why is Complete Streets important to you?

As people get older they drive less or hang up the keys altogether. Unless other ways of getting around are readily available, this life change can mean a lower quality of life, less independence and isolation. A recent AARP report found that 2 in 5 Americans age 50+ say their neighborhood sidewalks are inadequate.  Nearly half cannot cross main roads close to their home safely, preventing many from walking, cycling or taking the bus. 

There are many other reasons to support Complete Streets. Public health advocates support development of safe places to exercise as a way to combat obesity and chronic disease. Alternatives to driving can reduce our carbon footprint and promote livable communities that follow smart growth land use patterns. And for everyone young and old who is riding a bike or walking, safety on the road is a top concern.

Proposed Policy Changes

Complete Streets policies direct transportation planners and engineers to design streets and roads with all people in mind including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities.  Legislation is being proposed in Vermont‘s Statehouse to address this issue with guidelines for city and town planners to consider when designing streets and road repairs. AARP, Local Motion and other groups are hoping to raise awareness of this issue and are working hard to make pass this new law. Your support can make a difference.