Approved by the Transportation Policy Committee on November 19, 2025
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on March 20, 2026
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 21, 2026
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the implementation of the U.S. Department of Transportation Complete Streets policies, which that integrate the safety and accessibility of all users in the planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of roadway networks. Complete Streets should be planned, designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to support safe and accessible travel for people using different modes and complement the roadway’s context.
Issue
Millions of Americans walk, bike, use public transportation, and rely on micromobility options along streets originally constructed primarily for vehicles. A transportation system focused solely on vehicle travel can make streets less safe for non-motorists and discourage people from using alternative modes. It also creates substantial barriers for people who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle, for whom safe and reliable non-automobile travel options are essential to daily activities. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimates 36% percent of Americans over the age of 10 do not or cannot rely on a personal vehicle to meet their daily travel needs, including nearly 16 million (or 1 in 20) adults of driving age who live in households without personal vehicles.
Complete Streets planning has become increasingly important as communities seek to improve first-mile and last-mile connections and provide reliable non-automobile options. While roadways must safely and adequately accommodate vehicle demands, including the movement of freight and emergency vehicles, roadway systems designed only for motor vehicles can hinder the development of walkable and livable communities. These roadways could encourage people to use travel modes other than automobiles.
Rationale
Our transportation system should accommodate the needs of all users by providing safe, accessible options for all modes and for people of all ages and abilities.
When properly implemented, Complete Streets improves safety for all users. A USDOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) safety review from 2022 found features, such as sidewalks, raised medians, better bus stop placement, and traffic-calming measures, can enhance safety. The concept was first evaluated as a transportation design strategy after World War II and has been included in numerous documents, including FHWA’s street design guidance.
The “Transportation Statistics Annual Report 2024” indicates that 44% of all trips are less than three miles and 22% are less than one mile, distances that can often be covered through walking, bicycling, or transit. Only 3% of trips exceed 50 miles. In many communities, however, the design of the roadway network creates constraints or safety concerns that limit the feasibility of these shorter trips. In many cases, roadway design creates barriers or safety concerns that limit convenient access for these shorter trips.
Complete Streets contribute to livable communities. A safe active transportation network is essential to improving both public and private transportation and fostering friendly, walkable communities. In addition to improving safety, Complete Streets can support public health through increased physical activity, expand access to jobs and essential destinations, and strengthen local economies by creating vibrant, walkable commercial areas. Recognizing the demands placed on existing streets, designers are encouraged to collaborate with community members and residents, public policymakers, planners, and traffic management professionals to support Complete Streets.
ASCE Policy Statement 537
First Approved in 2011
The other ASCE policies that relate to complete streets are:
Policy Statement 131 - Growth and Development
Policy Statement 436 - Incorporating Bicycle Facilities into Transportation Systems
Policy Statement 454 - Intelligent Transportation Systems
Policy Statement 494 - Public Transportation
Policy Statement 497 - Surface Transportation Research Funding
Policy Statement 552 - Vision Zero