AARP Indiana: Evansville City Council must adopt Complete Streets

Dan Helrigel

On October 25, the Evansville City Council is voting on adopting the community’s first Complete Streets policy.

This policy would make Evansville streets safer and more accessible for all road users, no matter how they get around.

People walking, rolling, biking, riding the bus, and driving would all greatly benefit from Complete Streets.

What exactly is a Complete Streets policy?

It’s an approach to road construction and renovation that calls for unique solutions to the meet the accessibility and transportation needs of a given area. Depending on the context, a newly renovated or constructed street could include infrastructure elements such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, road diets, and more.

For instance, Evansville residents familiar with Oak Hill Road and Covert Avenue may remember how dangerous and unappealing those corridors were before redesign and renovation. Both roadways are now great examples of Complete Streets philosophy, as they are more inviting, more accessible to pedestrians, and safer. By adopting a Complete Streets policy, the City of Evansville would be committing to the standard set by the Oak Hill Road and Covert Avenue projects.

“We’re excited to see the Evansville City Council take up this critical infrastructure issue,” Addison Pollock, AARP Indiana director of community engagement, said. “Older Hoosiers want and need greater mobility, more accessible amenities, and a greater ability to live where they want as they age, and a Complete Streets policy could help make that a reality.”

If you agree that the Evansville City Council should adopt a Complete Streets policy, please call or email your city councilor and let them know how you feel.

Evansville residents can reach out to their city councilors by calling 812-436-4993 or by emailing CityCouncil@evansville.in.gov.

“A Complete Streets policy will pave the way for a safer and more connected Evansville community,” Pollock said.