Miami, FL – The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution establishing a “Complete Streets Program” in the City of Miami. Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users so that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities. They are defined by the National Complete Streets Coalition, a national non-profit partnership of such diverse groups as the AARP, the National Association of Realtors, the American Association of People with Disabilities, the National Center for Bicycling and Walking and the American Planning Association.

“Rates of childhood obesity have tripled in recent years, due in large part to the lack of a pedestrian infrastructure,” said Mayor Manny Diaz. “In opening streets to multiple modes of transportation, we are enabling a more active lifestyle by providing the option to get out of cars.”

Complete streets benefit communities in numerous ways: they are safer and less costly in the long run; they spur economic development and ease congestion; and by providing safe, convenient alternatives to driving, complete streets also make important contributions towards alleviating the serious challenges of energy security, climate change and obesity.

With this resolution, the City Commission has directed the administration to develop the guidelines necessary to fully integrate complete streets planning and implementation into the City’s transportation, climate and energy policy initiatives within the next 60 days. Additionally, the City Clerk will transmit a copy of the resolution to President Obama, the Senate Majority Leader, House Speaker, USDOT and FDOT, Miami-Dade County and the Director of the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization. Mayor Diaz has also sent a personal letter to Senators Nelson and Martinez, urging their support of the Complete Streets Act of 2009, attached.

Mayor Diaz has been a vocal supporter of complete streets and has promoted progressive transportation policies that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly. In October of last year, the City Commission unanimously supported the Mayor’s Bicycle Action Plan, which requires all new transportation projects and infrastructure improvements to include bicycle facilities wherever possible and to improve conditions for cyclists throughout the city. Additionally, the Mayor launched Bike Miami Days, an initiative to promote cycling and walking, livable streets and urban community through free monthly events. The next Bike Miami Days event will take place this Saturday, March 14, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with a public rally and press conference scheduled to take place at the Miami-Dade County Courthouse at 10:30 am.

Letter from Mayor Diaz to Senator Nelson