Making Streets Safer for All

AARP Texas applauds a move by Houston Mayor Annise Parker (D) to make streets in the nation’s fourth-largest city more user-friendly for everyone.

By executive order in October, the mayor called for “complete streets,” a policy that directs city officials and transportation planners to consider all users when designing or repairing roads—including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities and those using public transportation. The goal is to create walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks, crosswalks, benches, nighttime lighting and daytime shade. Such features provide safe, convenient ways for people to get where they need to go.