The San Diego City Council has adopted the City’s first-ever Complete Streets Policy, which reflects and guides the City’s commitment to provide a safe, comfortable and accessible transit circulation system that meets the mobility needs of everyone. This policy is intended to provide guidance to improve mobility governance and implementation in the City aligned with the City’s General Plan and Climate Action Plan. 

“Complete Streets” refers to a concept that roadways should be designed with all users in mind, not just motorists. Making travel convenient and accessible for people of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode choice continues to be a citywide priority. 

“This is a tremendous step forward for our City, and our ongoing progress toward our Climate Action Program and Vision Zero goals,” said Alyssa Muto, Director of the City’s Department of Sustainability and Mobility. “Providing residents more options to get around our City safely and easily, and even actively, while encouraging less-polluting modes of travel, and enhancing our neighborhoods, is a win-win-win for all of us.” 

The policy, also known as Policy No. 900-23, was adopted by the City Council Monday and lays the groundwork for the City’s continued efforts to enhance the quality of life and mobility in all communities. The policy also will help create more vibrant corridors with multiple travel options and transform spaces into dynamic places for community members to gather. 

“The Complete Streets policy pivots the City toward safer mobility choices and achieving our Vision Zero goals,” said Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava. “This is another step in our work to integrate sustainability in every department, on every public right of way and in every neighborhood.” 

“Improved pedestrian and mobility pathways will save lives while building a more sustainable San Diego," said City Councilmember Kent Lee, District 6. “As Chair of the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud to support a Complete Streets policy that when implemented will provide comprehensive mobility options, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.” 

"City streets are far more than just a way for people to get from point A to point B using a car; they are part of our communities, and everyone should feel safe to use the right of way, regardless of mode of travel," said City Councilmember Raul Campillo, District 7. "The passage of yesterday’s Complete Streets policy ensures that lowering speed limits, including bike improvements as part of road maintenance, and installing traffic calming measures are prioritized as part of projects in the right of way. With this vote, we take tangible action to move closer toward the City’s Vision Zero goal."

Among other things, the policy seeks to:  

• Promote opportunities for the inclusion of Complete Streets features in City projects within the public right of way and in private development projects. 
• Incorporate street design elements that support the City’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating severe traffic injuries and fatalities.  
• Establish an interdepartmental mobility governance group to facilitate the implementation of multimodal facilities.    

Ideally, this policy will allow the City to efficiently and effectively implement Complete Streets and its design features whenever possible. 

For more information, please see the Complete Streets staff report that was included with the Council agenda.