Mark Fenton gave an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote address at our 2016 Bike Walk Summit on June 3, 2016 at CCSU in New Britain. He built a public-health argument for making our communities more bike- and walk-friendly and had some helpful tips for how our Connecticut communities can get there. 

He encouraged us to think about the three P's of Programs, Projects and Policies and how each of these can play a role in changing the safety and accessibility of our cities and towns. Read more from Mark about the three P's here (PDF).

Some core principals he shared:

• It's not really about building sidewalks and community gardens
• It's about building the CAPACITY and the POLICIES to create these everywhere
• It's never really about the money
• It's about the long-term VISION and the political and community WILL to make it a reality

A big thank you to Mark Fenton for providing inspiration AND concrete suggestions for how to make Connecticut a better place to bike and walk!
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Check out the full presentation PDF below and check out Mark's website for more. 

On March 7, 2016 Middletown's Common Council adopted a Complete Streets policy.  Read the text of the ordinance below (bolded text by BWCT), or view online via the Council minutes (page 34).

Learn more about Middletown's Complete Street's Committee and view their existing Complete Streets Master Plan.


Complete Streets 262-61
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN: That a new Article III (Complete Streets) be added in its entirety as set forth below to Chapter 262 (Streets, Sidewalks and Parking Areas) of the Middletown Code of Ordinances, and that all resolutions inconsistent herewith, including Resolution 75-12, are hereby repealed:

ARTICLE III (Complete Streets)
§ 262-61 Complete Streets.

A. This Article and Section shall be entitled the Complete Streets Ordinance.

B. As used in this Article and Section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

1. Complete Streets are roadways that are designed and operated to provide safe and convenient access to all Users.
2. Complete Streets Committee is a standing committee of no more than six persons, nominated by the Mayor, confirmed by the Council, and serving four-year terms. No more than two-thirds of the Committee may be of the same political party. Should a vacancy occur in a seat, it will be filled through Mayoral nomination and Council confirmation.
3. Complete Streets Master Plan is a comprehensive plan detailing the steps to be taken to implement this Ordinance, as approved and adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
4. Users are all people that use roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, and motorists and includes people of all ages and abilities, including children, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
5. Transportation Improvement Project is any public or private investment within the public right of way, regardless of funding source, including, but not limited to, new construction, reconstruction, alteration, and maintenance inclusive of road resurfacing, except that a Transportation Improvement Project shall not include routine upkeep such as cleaning, sweeping, plowing or spot repair.

C. This Article and Section shall require the implementation of Complete Streets in appropriate locations within the City of Middletown by the Public Works Department, Public Works and Facilities Commission in collaboration with the Police Chief/Traffic Authority and other transportation agencies as necessary for review, as follows:

1. The Public Works Department/Public Works and Facilities Commission, in collaboration with the Complete Streets Committee, will review all Transportation Improvement Projects being designed for implementation within the City limits and explore opportunities to meet the needs of all Users, including but not limited to motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit vehicles, in a manner consistent with the Complete Streets Master Plan.
2. All Transportation Improvement Projects located within 1,000 feet of a school, commercial center, or bus stop will include infrastructure designed to accommodate pedestrians, as recommended by Complete Streets Committee and affirmed by the Public Works and Facilities Commission to be sent to the Common Council for consideration. 
3. The requirements of the Complete Streets Ordinance will not apply to Transportation Improvement Projects:
   1. a. Where specific users are prohibited by law (e.g. interstate highways or pedestrian-only pathways); or
   2. b. Where the cost of accommodations necessary to implement Complete Streets has been demonstrated and documented to be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. The Public Works Department must document the rationale for exemption from the Complete Streets Ordinance in such cases.
   3. c. When a Transportation Improvement Project is to be funded by a road bond passed prior to the date of passage of this ordinance, and when such road bond funding and scope is inadequate to include Complete Streets improvements in that specific project, consideration will be given by the Public Works Commission, the Complete Streets Committee, and Common Council in order to determine whether additional funding should be appropriated to include Complete Streets improvements in that project.