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In an effort to increase safety and healthy habits, cities across the country are looking for ways to encourage residents to do more walking and biking. That’s why on Wednesday, November 2, the Fort Wayne Board of Public Works adopted a policy that will have engineers and planners consider the needs and interests of pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and motorists when designing or improving streets.

This action reinforces street design guidelines by putting in writing Fort Wayne's commitment to streets that are more appealing to people who choose to walk and bike as well as drive to their destinations. The policy, commonly referred to as “Complete Streets,” creates a transportation system that encourages walking, cycling and bus riding as safe and efficient ways to get around town.

The growing volume and speed of traffic can create public spaces that are uncomfortable or impossible for pedestrians and cyclists to safely navigate. Now, however, cities across the nation are addressing these challenges by investing in sidewalks, better intersection design, and bikeways, as well as adopting Complete Streets policies.

Creating a Fort Wayne Complete Streets policy reinforces the transportation and public safety goals that are laid out in the City’s community plans. For example, Plan-it Allen, the comprehensive plan for the City and Allen County, sets a goal for a transportation system that “accommodates a range of choices [including] public transit, pedestrian, and bicycle.” The City’s comprehensive plan has been amended by City Council with three plans that focus on these active modes of transportation. All three, Bike Fort Wayne, Walk Fort Wayne, and Bus Fort Wayne recommend a Complete Streets policy as a development tool to ensure that the comprehensive plan is met sooner rather than later.

This “Complete Streets” policy reflects the interests and advocacy of several community groups including the AARP, Bicycle Friendly Fort Wayne, and Citilink.

Taking the time to consider the unique needs of pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders while designing street improvements allows planners and engineers to build streets that will encourage more walking, biking and bus riding without compromising the ability to move vehicle traffic. Over time, the Complete Streets policy will deliver changes to roadways that improve the physical, social and economic health of our neighborhoods.