Jon Stanton

Yesterday, the Lansing State Journal ran a Viewpoint Column I wrote about why Lansing needs to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance. Like many of you, I was clueless as to what a "complete street" was until finding out more information from my friends at walkbikelansing.com.

Basically, a complete street is a type of street design that incorporates all modes of transportation, including non-motorized forms. In a practical sense, a complete street would likely include designated bike lanes (perhaps available for slower moving motorized vehicles such as scooters or mopeds), lanes for cars (duh), and sidewalks. Statistics show these types of streets are much safer for all parties. Everyone is also happier since cars can "go" without being held up by slower moving bicycles, bicyclists can "go" without worrying that they're going to be flattened on the pavement, and pedestrians can "go" without worrying about a bike running them over on the sidewalk OR a car flattening them on the pavement!

There is generally little additional cost for implementing complete streets into new construction. Most roads can easily accommodate a bike lane with minimal additional cost. Lansing is in the midst of a 30-year re-construction of its sewer system, which also means most of its streets are being reconstructed at the same time. The best example I can think of for why Lansing needs a complete streets ordinance is to take a look at Grand Avenue. There's plenty of room for a much-needed bike lane, but instead, the newly constructed street is 3 automobile lanes with wide berms on either side. Yes, some of these berms are designed for parking, but there is more than enough space for Grand Avenue to have been a "complete street" if the ordinance had been in place.

Anyhow, here's the link to my column for those of you that are interested in reading more: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090809/OPINION02/908090547/1087/OPINION02

Additional information is available at www.walkbikelansing.com.