Road Safety and Community Progress: A 2025 Report Highlights Successful Policies Across the U.S.
This month, Smart Growth America, a nonprofit focused on housing, transportation, and economic development, published itsExpanded version of the report titled Best Complete Streets Policies 2025. The report provides a comprehensive overview of how communities have adopted proactive measures to improve road safety, emphasizing the importance of proactive policy implementation.
smart growth America’s Vision for Safety and Accessibility
According to Heidi Simon, the director of Thriving Communities at Smart Growth America, proactive policies are the cornerstone of successful community safety efforts. Social safety, mobility, and equity are at the heart of these policies, serving as the foundation for future success. The analysis highlights the annual evaluation of complete streets policies by communities, with rankings based on their ability to address road safety issues and enhance accessibility.
The Complete Streets Policy Framework
The report details the selection of successful complete Streets policies across 43 towns and cities through the complete streets policy framework. This framework organizes communities’ commitment to safety, accessibility, and equity, with a focus on practical and easy-to-implement changes. Key areas include sidewalk development, bike infrastructure, and extended public transit systems.
Community-Specific Achievements
The 2025 report demonstrates significant progress in 49 cities and rural communities, showcasing the effectiveness of comprehensive policy frameworks. Top-scoring communities include San Antonio, Nashville, and Clyde, with scores ranging from 96 to 72. These instances of successful implementation highlight the power of tailored solutions to address local challenges.
Case Studies and Lessons Learned
delivering policy adoption involves overcoming unique barriers, as explored in case studies from three cities. These case studies illustrate the successful design and implementation of complete Streets policies while highlighting the importance of context and community engagement. Lessons drawn from decades of policy adoption reveal the feasibility and impact of community-driven solutions.
Decreasing Risk and Improvedcmp citatons
Over 1,700 complete Streets policies have been adopted across the U.S. since the implementation of these policies. The 2020 report reflects a concerted effort to build on community innovation, with organizations likexmaxizingsafety becoming key players in reducing traffic risks and enhancing community safety.
In conclusion, the complete streets policy framework represents a step toward creating safer, more connected communities. Each community’s success serves as a testament to the potential of proactive policy development. By continuing this effort, cities and towns can work toward healthier, more connected landscapes that emple them as hubs of social, economic, and physical growth.
