At the November 15 meeting of Rochester’s City Council, the members unanimously voted to pass a Complete Streets Policy.  “Complete Streets” is a term for streets designed to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users.  This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transport users of any age and ability.  An ideal Complete Street for example, might have large sidewalks on both sides of the road, clearly labeled pedestrian crosswalks, and bicycle lanes.

Now that the Policy is in place, what does it mean for 19^th Ward residents?  It means that the City of Rochester has decided to make public health is a top priority.  Through Complete Streets everyone has increased opportunities to be active.  Changes to the streets are already coming to life.  Larger sidewalks are being installed and you can see “sharrows,” markings that let motorists know where they have to share the lane with bicyclists, on University Avenue (the home of Healthi Kids), South Avenue, and Broad Street. 

Complete Streets policies offer more than health benefits to communities.  Research has shown that they also reduce air pollution, improve the safety of the community, lower emotional stress, connect isolated adults or people with disabilities to crucial services and social support, and stimulate economic development.  Any of these improvements would make a great difference to Rochester, combined, these benefits will be profound.

Healthi Kids is very grateful to City Council for taking action on this important legislation.  To learn more about the policy, or to find out how to say thank you to City Council yourself, please contact Healthi Kids at laurenmorelle@flhsa.org or (585) 224-3121.