The Pierce County Council voted Tuesday to adopt a Complete Streets Ordinance. Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all everyone, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Following the success of many other cities and counties in the region and county, this is a big victory all users of Pierce County’s roads and streets.
“Adopting this complete streets ordinance will direct county planners and engineers to plan and build our streets for everyone,” stated Council Member Rick Talbert, “complete streets makes it safe and convenient for all modes of travel.”
Pierce County becomes the first local jurisdiction to pass a Complete Streets ordinance, and joins a number of other communities across Washington as a leader in built environment policies that will benefit the health of its residents.
Pierce County Council Member Stan Flemming, a champion of the legislation stated “The passage of the Complete Streets Ordinance 2014-44s by the County Council signals a continued commitment to ensure Pierce County roads remain safe for all modes of transportation while promoting a cleaner and healthier community. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to spear-head this project for the past two years and to see it through to adoption.”
Pierce County has one of the highest rates of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke in Washington State. Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the steady rise in rates of these chronic health conditions. For many Pierce County residents walking and bicycling within their communities is unsafe due to heavy traffic and a scarcity of sidewalks, crosswalks, and bicycle facilities. Improving these street conditions for all users will encourage active more healthy living.
Transportation Choices Coalition, in partnership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Coalition for Active Transportation and many other community organizations, has worked for two years on education surrounding Active Transportation in Pierce County. This ordinance will ensure the county’s roadways are safer and more convenient for people of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motor vehicle drivers.
