Appendices

A shared street is a designed to be safe and accessible for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transit riders. People of all ages and abilities should be able to move safely along and across streets in a community, regardless of how they are traveling. Shared streets are not only good for residents well-being but for neighborhood and local businesses as well.  

Shared Streets typically calm traffic, increase bicycle transportation and attract pedestrians. The design is site specific and can include any number of elements such as protected bike lanes, sidewalks, street furniture, landscaping, planters, pedestrian signals, parallel parking in buffers, curb extensions, and ample and adequate crosswalks.  

A recent study in the BMJ British medical journal found that cycling to work is associated with significant health benefits – including a 46 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to non-active commuters. In addition, walking to work is linked to a 27 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. 

We recommend implementing a shared streets plan to promote and support safe bicycle and pedestrian transportation. Emphasis should begin with the greater downtown area and later extending out to the entire downtown region and eventually to other to priority streets.  

Action Steps