Hartford just passed a Complete Streets ordinance. Hartford's mayor and city council are seizing the opportunity to be a hub for Connecticut's best practices in active transportation.
See a nice summary of these accomplishments over at BiCi Co's blog http://www.bicico.org/…/hartford-just-passed-a-complete-st…/

Spread the word and share in your Connecticut towns and cities.

Download the ordinance or view it below. 

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Middletown Code of Ordinances, and that all resolutions inconsistent herewith, including Resolution 75-12, are hereby repealed: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. 

Bike Walk Connecticut happily applauds the leadership of Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker for signing a new “Complete Streets” policy for the DOT.  The policy expressly promotes safe access for all users by providing a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network of transportation options.
“We are committing ourselves to incorporating the objectives of complete streets in everything we do at the DOT,” said Commissioner Redeker. “As we plan and design new projects and other infrastructure improvements, this commitment will be front and center.”
DOT's policy is intended to:

1. Improve safety and mobility for pedestrians of all ages and abilities,bicyclists, the mobility challenged and those who choose to live vehicle free
   
2. Develop and support a transportation system that accommodates active transportation modes that promote healthier lifestyles
   
3. Develop and support a transportation system that accommodates compact, sustainable and livable communities
   
4. Provide safe access for all users by providing a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network of transportation options
   
5. Improve mobility and accessibility to activity centers, including: employers, commercial centers, schools, transit, and trails
   
6. Support the state's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) efforts through the provision of integrated transportation networks
   
7. Enhance Connecticut’s economic competitiveness by enabling communities to become livable, walkable, bikeable, drivable, efficient, safe and desirable.
   

This policy includes procedures to directly address training for planning and design staff, project development checklists for bicycle and pedestrian design inclusion, more inclusive design guidance, access to public funding, expanded data collection and performance measures for all modes. Through data collection and performance measures the DOT will have the tools to effectively prioritize transportation spending and improve safety outcomes.

“While the signing of this document is an important step for the Department, it is also a continuation of our commitment to Complete Streets,” Redeker said. “Currently, projects originating from our Office of Engineering routinely undergo a comprehensive assessment of bicycle and pedestrian needs and all Bureaus are working to better integrate the needs of all users into their projects and processes.”

The Commissioner noted that Route 44 in East Hartford will undergo a “road diet” in 2015 to provide bike lanes, enhance vehicular safety and efficiency and improve pedestrian and transit accommodation throughout the corridor. The Department is also outfitting 50 train cars with bike racks on the New Haven Line operating between New Haven to New York City. CTfastrak, opening in 2015, is the state’s first fixed bus guide way running from New Britain to Hartford. It will enhance transit options for the capital region and provide a new multi-use trail facility from New Britain to Newington.

In addition, the Watertown Bus Maintenance Facility will include an accommodation for the Naugatuck River Greenway providing riverside non-motorized access to the bus garage and transit stop. The DOT’s encroachment permit review will now include documentation of Complete Streets policy compliance.

Read the DOT Complete Streets Policy Statement.
See our Complete Streets Initiative.

The following were provided by municipal officials in response to our 2014 complete streets survey:

• Torrington, CT's complete streets resolution, adopted in May 2013.

• FAIRFIELD BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN 

• Stonington’s Board of Selectmen passed a resolution on complete streets in 2008.
  
• Click here to download Clinton, CT's complete streets policy.
• Newtown, CT's sidewalk plan.Meriden Comprehensive Sidewalk Analysis and Strategy Report
• Coventry CT's POCD, which addresses complete streets.
• Meriden Sidewalk Report
  

Download Torrington, CT's complete streets resolution, adopted in May 2013.

Click here to download Clinton, CT's complete streets policy.