COMPLETE STREETS: For All Users

COMPLETE STREETS: For All Users
What is Wisconsin’s Complete Streets Policy?
Wisconsin’s Complete Streets Law
requires that all anticipated users be
taken into account whenever a road is
built or reconstructed with state or
federal funds, including persons with
disabilities, people walking, bicycling,
taking public transportation and driving cars or commercial vehicles. There are a variety of exceptions that may be granted, so
these policies don’t mandate building any pedestrian or bicycle-specific infrastructure; they
usually just require that new projects make reasonable accommodations for many different
modes of travel. Exceptions may include cases where bikes and pedestrians are prohibited,
like Interstate highways or where the cost are excessive . Complete Streets ends up saving
money in the long run by prolonging the life of the road and building in these facilities from
the start is less expensive than retrofitting them later on.
Spotlight on the 2015-2017 Proposed State Budget
The current proposed budget would repeal Wisconsin’s Complete Streets Policy that was
passed in 2009 following national models from around the country.
How does this affect Brown County?
Complete Streets benefit motorists too. The leading complaint of drivers about bicyclists is
that they share their road space, as they are legally allowed to do. Complete Streets is often
about building in clearly marked space or actual separate space for bikes. It means less conflict on the road, which means safety for everyone. Without Complete Streets we could see a
reduction in the amount of safe walking and biking facilities for people of all ages.
Beyond enhancing safety, complete streets spur development. A repeal of Complete Streets
means we run the risk of losing out on the opportunity to create connected communities that
catalyze economic development, increase property values and attract a talented workforce.
Before Complete Streets
After Complete Streets
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Infrastructure is good for...
The Economy
Workforce Development

Bicycling contributes $1.5 billion
annually to Wisconsin’s Economy.

Millennials drive 30% less than people
the same age 10 years ago.

The bicycling industry contributes
13,200 jobs annually to WI.

The bicycling industry contributes
13,200 jobs annually to WI.

Outside Tourism contributes $525 million to the state.

Outside Tourism contributes $525
million to the state.

See economic impact of Health/Obesity
(below).
Our Health
Safety


Motorists benefit from reduced traffic
and congestion.
Obesity rates have tripled over the last
three years.

2/3 of

Bicyclists and pedestrians need safe
routes for recreation and to get from
place to place.

Fewer than 15% of school-aged children
walk or bike to school today compared to
48% in 1969.

Only 8% of children get the recommended amount of physical activity daily.

A healthy workforce has economic
implications.

Medical costs related to obesity in WI are
$2.7 billion annually.

Medical expenses for obese employees
are 42% higher than for employees at a
healthy weight.
Academic Achievement


Students who are physically active have
better grades, cognitive performance,
school attendance and classroom behaviors.
Children who walk and bike to school can
get 2/3 of their daily physical activity built
into their day.
adults and 1/3 of children are
overweight or obese.
What is Live54218?
Live54218 is the countywide obesity prevention and
wellness initiative that serves as the backbone and
central facilitator to achieve our collective vision of
building a healthier Greater Green Bay. We help
reimagine how we work together to create meaningful change by aligning partners across seven key
settings through four core functions. We work to
motivate behavior change while simultaneously
shifting systems, policies, and social expectations to
make those new behaviors possible – and ultimately make them the norm. This intersection of individual and environmental change is where lasting
impact occurs.