Weymouth’s policy for safer, more convenient streets named among the nation’s best

Weymouth, MA – April 12, 2016 – In 2015, the Town of Weymouth adopted a Complete Streets policy to promote safer streets for everyone.  Now, this policy has been named one of the best in the nation from last year.

The Best Complete Streets Policies of 2015, an annual ranking from Smart Growth America’s National Complete Streets Coalition released today, evaluated all 82 Complete Streets policies passed in 2015.  Weymouth’s policy came in as the nation’s fourth best, with a score of 92.0 out of a possible 100 points.

“Weymouth works better when its streets work for everyone, not just drivers,” said Weymouth’s Mayor Robert Hedlund.  “We’re designing our streets to be safer, more convenient, and more attractive for all users, regardless of how they get around.  When streets work for everyone, people move more and shop more and the whole community benefits.”

“This is truly great news for Weymouth, and we thank Smart Growth for this honor,” said Weymouth’s Director of Planning and Community Development, Robert Luongo.  “Weymouth is the second oldest township in Massachusetts, and a Complete Streets policy is a powerful tool for keeping our community healthy, vibrant, and welcoming.”

“A Complete Streets approach is about helping everyone stay safe on the road – no matter if they’re walking, biking, taking transit, using an assistive device, or driving,” said Emiko Atherton, Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition.  “Passing a Complete Streets policy is one of the best actions communities can take toward achieving these goals, and hundreds of communities across the country now have these kinds of policies in place. What’s even more exciting is that the language of these policies continues to improve — and that means streets that work better for everyone.”

The City of Reading, PA passed the best-written policy of 2015, scoring an unprecedented perfect 100.  Nationwide, a total of 898 Complete Streets policies have been passed by 843 separate jurisdictions, including municipalities, counties, metropolitan planning organizations, state agencies, and states.

Weymouth’s Complete Streets policy was adopted by the Town’s Planning Board last November, the Board of Zoning Appeals a month later, and former Mayor Susan Kay before leaving office.  The Complete Streets policy commits the Town to reducing physical barriers to walking, bicycling, and other forms of active travel over time. 

Research shows that Complete Streets have a positive effect on economic development, making shopping districts more attractive and easier to get around.  They have also been shown to increase road safety, improve public health and well-being, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

See more information about the winning policies, evaluation criteria, and the full rankings at http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/best-complete-streets-policies-of-2015