Complete Streets to improve Health

Active Southern West Virginia has been a champion of the mission to bring Complete Streets policies to all the cities and towns in the New River Gorge Region and are proud to have the support of so many local municipalities to ensure safety for everyone that uses the streets in our communities.

By adopting a Complete Streets policy, communities direct their transportation planners and engineers to routinely design and operate the entire right of way to enable safe access for all users. This means that every transportation project will make the street network better and safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists—making your town a better place to live.

“A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks. This helps to ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.” National Complete Streets Coalition.

Engaged Towns and cities

Click the links below to read a copy of each Complete Streets policy that was tailored to the cities’ needs.

* The Town of Pax and City of Montgomery have this policy update on their upcoming agendas.

This growing movement across our region benefits our communities in a number of ways including increasing recreation opportunities, economic development, and overall health and well-being. Active SWV will continue its efforts to work with other cities in the New River Gorge region to help create policies that will increase safety and connectivity for all residents.

Can you be an advocate for Complete Streets in your community?

There are many ways to support policy change including attending City Council meetings, joining or forming a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Committee, and writing to local officials/leaders. Contact Volunteer Director Erin Reid at [email protected] or (304) 254-8488 for more information and strategies on how you can specifically be involved in your local municipality.

Read more about the Active SWV Bike/Walk program.