Lexington's Complete Streets project moves to new phase. Here's how to get involved.
During its September 10th meeting, Council passed an ordinance that adopts the Complete Streets Design Manual as a guide for infrastructure development in Lexington. On Tuesday, September 15th, the Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee will receive a presentation on the status of Vision Zero & Complete Streets as it begins the implementation phase.
Lexington’s STREEET Safety Task Force created Vision Zero and Complete Streets to address immediate and future roadway safety. According to the city’s website, roads in the past were built to prioritize efficiency for drivers and to move vehicles quickly. Now, Lexington is focusing on a more human-centered approach, increasing its consideration for how street design affects everyone, including bikers, bus riders, pedestrians, and people with disabilities.
Complete Streets has moved through its initial design phase, and now it is shifting its focus to educating and engaging the community.
Under the Complete Streets Policy, LFUCG staff and elected officials will be trained to ensure that safety standards are understood and applied in their work. The educational push also includes external education for the local development community to set clear expectations for future projects.
Lexington is turning to community walk audits to incorporate lived experience into the planning process. Presentation materials highlight that the city has already conducted two audits thus far: one being Safe Routes to School, and the other an MLK Corridor Night Walk Audit. The next audit, through the Senior Services Commission, will take place in October.
A walk audit is an organized inspection where residents, city planners, and officials walk a specific route to determine how safe, accessible, and comfortable it is for pedestrians.
The city is also developing new K-12 curriculum units to extend education into Lexington classrooms. Things like coloring pages and bike lessons have been designed to align with state educational standards and incorporate Complete Streets, Vision Zero, and safe-streets concepts.
To keep the public actively involved in the implementation process, Lexington has planned two upcoming events.
On October 3rd, Lexington will temporarily shut down Shropshire Ave next to 540 E. Third St to hold StreetFest to celebrate streets as a shared public space and to show people what it means to be a “complete street.”
On November 7th, Lexington will hold its 5th annual Glow Ride to educate the public about bikes and alternative transportation safety.