Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ believes that multi-modal transportation systems should be safe, efficient, beautiful, ecologically sensitive, and convenient. These qualities enable streets and roadways to serve all people and modes of transportation, support public health, and address climate resilience. Landscape architects are trained and uniquely qualified to plan and design multi-modal transportation networks that provide users with cost efficient transportation options, while also addressing other community needs.
Roadways should be designed for all users ¡ª including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit riders, motorists, and persons with disabilities ¡ª to have safe, convenient, and comfortable access to transportation options. A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks. This helps to ensure that our streets serve the full range of users, prioritize safety over speed, and support the sustainable and incremental development of local communities.
In 2023, the most recent year with federal data, 7,314 pedestrians were killed by motorists, marking one of the deadliest years. Designing more Complete Streets is critical to reversing this epidemic. Additionally, improving infrastructure and building more welcoming streets for all road users leads to higher rates of active transportation throughout communities. In turn, more frequent walking and bicycling supports the physical and mental health of community members.
Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ is a founding member of the , whose mission is to promote the development and implementation of policies and professional practices that ensure streets become safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.
Senator Edward Markey (MA) introduced , and Representative Steve Cohen (TN) introduced as the Complete Streets Act of 2025. This legislation would:
? Call on states to set aside five percent of their federal highway funding to create a ¡°Complete Streets¡± program.
? Call on eligible entities that want to access funding to adopt a Complete Streets policy, participate in technical assistance, and create a prioritized plan for Complete Streets projects in their jurisdictions.
? Call on Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to certify that Complete Streets policies meet minimum requirements set out by the United States Secretary of Transportation.
? Call on the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, States, and MPOs to adopt design standards for federal surface transportation projects that provide for the safe and adequate accommodation of all users ¨C including motorized and non-motorized users - in all phases of project planning, development, and operation.
On June 4, 2025, Senator Edward Markey (MA) introduced .
On June 5, 2025, Representative Steve Cohen (TN) introduced .
S. 1953, Senator Edward Markey (MA) and .
H.R. 3712, Representative Steve Cohen (TN) and .