Mayor signs ‘Complete Streets’ law aimed at accommodating all travelers

Mayor Mike Cooper, with City Council President Strom Peterson, signs the Complete Streets ordinance while the following look on, left to right: Rob English, City Engineer; Bertrand Hauss, Transportation Engineer; Phil Williams, Public Works Director; Hank Landau, Edmonds Bicycle Advocacy Group and Jeff Aken, Cascade Land Conservancy. (Photo by Amber Salinas Photography)

Edmonds Mayor Mike Cooper gathered with a group of stakeholders Friday to sign ordinance 3842, “Complete Streets,” into law.  The new ordinance will ensure that when the City of Edmonds plans for, designs and builds new transportation projects, it will provide appropriate accommodation for everyone, including pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users.

“Now people of all ages and abilities — including children, youth, families, older adults and individuals with disabilities — will have access to safe and convenient travel,” Cooper said.

Cooper thanked council President Strom Peterson for his work with city staff to find an ordinance that accommodates all of Edmonds. “Complete Streets will make Edmonds a safer, healthier and more environmentally sound community,” Peterson said.

The mayor noted that streets without a safe place to walk, bike, or catch a bus can be dangerous for non-motorized transportation users, particularly children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Public right-of-ways should be designed to safely accommodate all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities, he added.

“Our staff and city council recognize that Edmonds streets have an important impact on the livability of our communities.” Cooper said.  “Our city has a commitment to consider all users and alternate modes of transportation as part of the street design process.”

Street designs in the past have typically focused on the movement of vehicles as a priority over other users and alternate modes of travel. A national “Complete Streets” movement began several years ago to place more emphasis on the complete assessment of all needs when designing streets. At the local level, the city worked with Edmonds Bicycle Advisory Committee, Cascade Land Conservancy, Cascade Bicycle Club, and Transportation Choices Coalition to build momentum in the public.

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