Executive Order Six - Creating a complete streets policy

April 24, 2009

TO:      Heads Of All State Departments And Agencies

RE: Creating A Complete Streets Policy

WHEREAS, walking is the most fundamental mode of physical transportation; and

WHEREAS, bicycling promotes healthier lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, walking and bicycling are simple fitness activities that can prevent disease, improve physical health and assist in fostering mental well-being; and

WHEREAS, by walking and bicycling you help to reduce greenhouse gas emission by reducing the time you spend in your car; and

WHEREAS, my administration, along with the Delaware Department of Transportation, promotes the walkability and bicycle friendliness of communities through principles such as context sensitive design, mobility-friendly design, mixed-use and infill developments; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Transportation has developed user friendly design standards for pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Transportation has the opportunity to create and improve transportation facilities for all users by implementing these principles and standards through its projects; and

WHEREAS, the Advisory Council on Pedestrian Awareness and Walkability and the Delaware Bicycle Council serve as advisors to the Delaware Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, a Complete Streets Policy means deliberately planning, designing, building, and maintaining streets for all modes of transportation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare and order the following:

1. The Delaware Department of Transportation (“DelDOT”) shall enhance its multi-modal initiative by creating a Complete Streets Policy that will promote safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages to be able to safely move along and across the streets of Delaware;

2. The Delaware Bicycle Council, the Advisory Council on Pedestrian Awareness and Walkability, and the Elderly & Disabled Transit Advisory Council shall assist DelDOT with this endeavor;

3. A Complete Streets Policy should:

1. Solidify DelDOT’s objective of creating a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network that allows users to choose between different modes of transportation;
2. Establish that any time DelDOT builds or maintains a roadway or bridge, the agency must whenever possible accommodate other methods of transportation.
3. Focus not just on individual roads, but changing the decision-making and design process so that all users are considered in planning, designing, building, operating and maintaining all roadways;
4. Recognize that all streets are different and user needs should be balanced in order to ensure that the solution will enhance the community;
5. Apply to both new and retrofit projects, including planning, design, maintenance, and operations for the entire right-of-way;
6. Ensure that any exemption to the Complete Streets Policy is specific and documented with supporting data that indicates the basis for the decision;
7. Direct the use of the latest and best design standards as they apply to bicycle, pedestrian, transit and highway facilities;

4. DelDOT, with the assistance of the advisory councils, shall create the Policy and deliver it the Governor for consideration no later than September 30, 2009.