The city of Reading was one of 16 U.S. cities recognized by Smart Growth America (SGA) recently for creating exemplary 'complete streets' policies in 2015.
'Complete streets' policies aim to accommodate all street users, whether they travel by car, bus, bicycle, or on foot, through design choices that clarify where everyone belongs. There's a gradation of complete street designs, from basic elements like sidewalks, crosswalks, and "Share the Road" markings, to more substantial features like physically separated lanes for transit vehicles and bicycles, or traffic signal priority for pedestrians and transit. ??
Reading was actually the first city to ever score a perfect 100 from SGA, which advocates for policies that promote traditional urban infill development over suburban land use planning. ??
Read the full version of this reportat Keystone Crossroads' website. Keystone Crossroads is a new statewide public media initiative reporting on the challenges facing Pennsylvania's cities. WPSU is a participating station.