"Complete Streets" bills headed to Governor Granholm

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI –

The Legislature has approved measures to require transportation planners to consider installing bike paths and sidewalk ramps when they design roads.

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The "Complete Streets" design principles are geared to make roads friendlier for all pedestrians. State Representative Pam Byrnes says lots of advocates for people who face challenges getting around helped draft the legislation.

"Not only the disabled, but the seniors, AARP was very involved in this, Michigan Environmental Council, the bicyclists, Healthy Michigan Healthy kids there were a number of groups that were stakeholders," she says.

Byrnes says she hopes to see more pedestrian-friendly roadways in the near future. Some "Complete Streets" supporters say they also hope new road designs will attract and keep young workers in the state.