The Massachusetts Training Experience with Complete Streets

摘要

This paper summarizes the Complete Streets training initiative undertaken by MassDOT, the Baystate Roads Program, T.Y. Lin International, Fay Spofford and Thorndike (FST) and the National Complete Streets Coalition (NCSC) in 2012. The purpose of the initiative was to jump-start a statewide change process that would move roadway design toward a new paradigm that considers all users. The initiative occurred as three tasks. First, input seminars were held to gather feedback from stakeholders. Second, two training classes were developed. A three-hour class was developed for less technical audiences and a six-hour class was developed for more technical audiences. Third, the two classes were delivered at 34 different locations across the state, including four MassDOT district offices. The classes encouraged municipalities to examine long-held design processes and preconceived notions with regard to the purpose of the roadway environment. A number of questions were raised. What are the elements that make a roadway safe? How can all current and potential users of the roadway environment be best identified? How can the existing right of way be better divided among all modes and users to maximize utility? Class discussion concentrated on design concepts and issues such as mode shift, lane width, design speed, the roadside environment and how engineers and others define the term safety. One thousand one hundred and five (1,105) people were trained during 56 classes over a 6-month period. Evaluation comments were consistently positive and the topics and issues raised were in-line with the teaching goals established for the trainings. Classes generated discussion that centered on Complete Streets benefits, but that also recognized the conflicts inherent with implementing a Complete Streets design.