The Innovation of Complete Streets

Innovation. Making changes in something established by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. America was built on innovation. From a new system of government to new ways to travel, communicate, and manufacture, America has a history of engaging in independent thinking and creativity to make positive change.

If innovation is about making something better, then complete streets is just that.

Complete streets represent an innovation in traditional road construction philosophy. Instead of a project-by-project struggle to accommodate bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly practices, complete streets policies require all road construction and improvement projects to begin by evaluating how the right-of-way serves all who use it.

The idea behind complete streets is that streets should transport people, not just cars. For too long, our states, cities, counties, and towns have built miles of streets and roads that are safe and comfortable only for motor vehicle travel. Sprawling communities have become dangerous and inconvenient places to walk, bicycle, or take transit, leaving little choice for getting around.

In March and April of 2009, the PCC, in partnership with Eat Smart Move More...SC, covered the state informing engineers, planners, concerned citizens, cyclists, health educators, and many others about the importance of implementing Complete Street policies and the benefits to local communities. These workshops took place in Anderson, Conway, Summerville, and Rock Hill. If you missed the workshop in your area, contact Rachael at rachael@pccsc.net, and we will be happy to fill you in on the Complete Streets initiatives that are already underway in your area. Read more on the Anderson workshop from the Anderson Independent newspaper.

On the Road to Complete Streets in South Carolina

We're thrilled to announce the official debut of two fantastic resources for anyone interested in learning more about Complete Streets and advancing equitable road policy change within their community.

The two resources, an Advocacy Manual and users Toolbook, allow you to understand Complete Streets so that you are better prepared to advocate for streets designed with all road users in mind. The Manual and Toolbook evolved out of a partnership with DHEC and Eat Smart Move More SC, where in 2009 we offered four workshops to different communities around the state (read more about this effort in the section above). After these workshops occurred, we realized the importance of giving you the tools and knowledge to advance these important issues in your community. That is just what these resources strive to do.

The Advocacy Manual, written by Rebecca Ramos, Esq., provides the reader a crash course in advocacy 101 for South Carolina cities and towns, and allows the advocate to develop a Complete Streets campaign in their community.

The Toolbook, written by Susan Wilson, AICP, explores basic concepts of Complete Streets and sets the stage for understanding how advocates can use these issues to play a role in the planning of roadways in South Carolina.

Both resources were designed by Freelance Graphic Designer extraordinaire Karen Myers; editing assistance from Roberta Sokolitz; and include interviews with Jean Crow, Carl Gosline, and Andrew Meeker.

These resources are free for download by clicking the respective resource below. We are also printing a limited number of both and providing these to our partners throughout South Carolina. Depending upon your need and our availability, we may be able to provide you a hard-copy. You can submit an order and we will be in touch about whether we can fulfill your need.

For more information on Complete Streets visit: www.completestreets.org