§17-4A-1. Complete Streets.

(a) Vehicular, public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian modes are integral to the transportation system of this state. The Division of Highways may view all transportation improvements as opportunities to improve safety, access and mobility for all travelers.

(b) All transportation projects receiving federal or state funds should strive to improve safety, access and mobility for users of all ages and abilities, defined to include pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and their passengers, motorists, movers of commercial goods, persons with disabilities, older adults and children.

(c) Accommodation of all users should be considered in the planning, design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, maintenance and operations of any state, county or local transportation facilities receiving funds from the Division of Highways. The Division of Highways is encouraged to create a safe, comprehensive, integrated and connected network to accommodate all users in a manner that is suitable to the rural, suburban or urban context.

(d) The Division of Highways is encouraged to use the latest and best design standards as they apply to bicycle, pedestrian, transit and highway facilities, which may include, but are not limited to, the latest editions of:

(1) A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials;

(2) Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach: An ITE Recommended Practice, from the Institute of Transportation Engineers;

(3) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials;

(4) Guide for the Planning, Design and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials;

(5) Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines, from the U. S. Access Board; and

(6) Other relevant federal, state or local guidance as appropriate.

(e) The Division of Highways may provide assistance to and coordinate with regional and local agencies in developing and implementing complementary complete streets policies. In the development of projects within municipal boundaries, the Division of Highways and municipality may share expertise in multimodal transportation planning.

(f) The Division of Highways is encouraged to modify its procedures, documents, training systems and performance measures in a timely manner to ensure the needs of all users of the transportation system are included in all phases of the projects. The Division of Highways is encouraged to create an implementation plan, including a schedule and a regional and local government and public outreach plan, in consultation with the advisory board as outlined in section three of this article.