For a Model Complete Streets Policy, Look to Indianapolis

"Complete Streets policies challenge auto-centric design and entrench an ethic that streets are for all users, of all ages and abilities, on all modes," explains Tanya Snyder. "A street designed for cars to travel at top speeds without regard for pedestrians, bicyclists, or public transit users – now or in the future – is not a complete street."

According to information compiled by Smart Growth America and its National Complete Streets Coalition, "Last year was a good one for advocates of these policies: Of all the 488 policies currently in place nationwide, more than a quarter of them were passed last year."

"Statewide policies exist in 27 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico," adds Snyder. "You might be surprised by the states with the most policies – Michigan leads the pack with 65 policies, then New Jersey with 50 and in third place – shockingly – is Florida, the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians and bicyclists."

But it's Indianapolis who comes out on top when judged according to the coalition's 10 criteria.