'Complete Streets' bill being considered in Legislature would pave Minnesota's roads with flexibility

saferoads

It would allow building with bicycles, pedestrians in mind
By Dennis Lien, St. Paul Pioneer Press
dlien@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 03/01/2010 09:24:19 AM CST

For decades, planners have designed Minnesota's roads to move cars and trucks as efficiently and quickly as possible.

But bicyclists, pedestrians and other road users would start getting a bit more standing if a bill moving through the Minnesota Legislature becomes law.

Called "Complete Streets,'' it would give communities more flexibility in designing streets to accommodate local needs and wishes. Rigid state standards that don't easily allow them to add a bike lane in one portion of town or to put in a sidewalk in another would be eased. Common-sense tailored approaches would be encouraged.

With bipartisan support, and the backing of the state Department of Transportation and key health and environmental groups, the measure is expected to pass with little opposition.

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