Complete Streets
Complete streets have many elements and provide a template for safe street design for everyone
A Complete Streets approach requires all types of users, ages, races, genders, incomes, abilities, and disabilities to be considered in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of transportation networks. Complete Streets policies apply to all roadway construction, repair, and even routine maintenance (such as paving and painting), reconstruction and collectively assist us with providing mobility options to community members. Although when we think of a complete street, we think of total reconstruction; however, improvements have been made with reorganizing a street and using paint.
An example of a reorganized street utilizing paint on Franklin Street. This bicycle lane begins at First Avenue and extends to Ninth Avenue, in Evansville, IN.
Several of Evansville’s latest projects include various complete street elements, making places safe, convenient, and easy to navigate. In the state of Indiana, eighteen (18) cities have adopted a complete streets policy, which includes, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Lafayette, South Bend, Bloomington, Kokomo, Westfield, La Porte, Vincennes, Logansport, Frankfort, Bedford, Peru, Plymouth, Union City, Culver, Lacrosse, and Columbus. As the third-largest city in Indiana, Evansville should be included in this list.
Having a complete street ordinance in place provides future equitable access and connects people to places and opportunities. This is inclusive in nature and serves all users and modes of transportation such as automobiles, transit, commercial drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, individuals, families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. A complete streets ordinance in Evansville is not a far-fetched concept—through partnership and collaboration, our city offices have made many improvements that are comprised of sidewalks, shared-use paths (multi-use trails), and bicycle lanes.
Collectively, we have made strides by attaining small, incremental complete street improvements in the past several years and these improvements support all users and multimodal transportation. The feasibility of each improvement is at the discretion of the municipal offices responsible for the project and has the capacity to improve our current infrastructure by making inclusive and equitable decisions.
There are many factors that play a part in the importance of complete streets within our community. According to Indiana County Health Rankings, Vanderburgh County ranks 82nd for Health Outcomes, which includes Length of Life and Quality of Life metrics. Furthermore, it ranks 65th in Health Factors, including metrics on obesity, physical inactivity, and access to exercise opportunities. Neighboring counties ranked better. (County Health Rankings 2020). Based on national data, Indiana ranks as the 22nd most dangerous state for pedestrians with an increased fatality rate for those 50 years and older (Smart Growth America).
Design aspects of a city street may support, or hinder accessibility for everyone. Enjoy this informative video that features a depiction of a “Universal Design” to designing city streets (video produced by City Beautiful).
The Common (City) Council of Evansville has adopted
Complete Streets Ordinance G-2021-17, Monday, October 25, 2021!
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See Information about bike/ped safety
Bicycle Safety
Although you don’t need a license to ride a bicycle, bicycles and motorized vehicles often share the same roads. Like a car, it’s important to keep your bicycle tuned up and follow the rules of the road. Unlike a car, there is nothing between you and the pavement. So, follow these simple bicycle rules to stay safe and enjoy injury-free bike rides.
Bicycle registration is free and easy with the Evansville Police Department. Use the online bicycle registration form, and click Submit.
See the latest Indiana State Laws compiled by Bicycle Indiana. Click HERE to download the document.
Pedestrian Safety
Know the basics of pedestrian safety and precautions you can take to be safe in our community. Learn more about walking safety tips, school bus stop safety, walking to school safety and more.