Current through codified legislation effective September 18, 2024
Section 50-2381 - Complete Streets policy and Multimodal Long-Range Transportation Plan(a) For the purposes of this section, the term: (1) "Complete Streets policy" means a policy by which streets are designed, operated, and maintained to accommodate safe and convenient access and mobility for all users of the District's transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, users of mass transit, motorists, emergency responders, and persons of all ages and abilities.(2) "Highway" means any street, road, or public thoroughfare that is under the jurisdiction and control of the District, when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular or pedestrian travel.(b) The District Department of Transportation ("DDOT") shall create a Complete Streets policy, which shall contain, at a minimum, the following goals: (1) Improving safety and promoting healthy communities by encouraging walking, bicycling, and using public transportation;(2) Establishing a District-wide integrated system of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure;(3) Accommodating and balancing the choice, safety, and convenience of all users of the District's transit network, while recognizing that individual corridors have modal priorities;(4) Protecting the environment and reducing congestion by providing safe alternatives to single-occupancy driving;(5) Involving local residents and stakeholders in planning and design decisions;(6) Actively looking for opportunities to repurpose highways to enhance connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit; and(7) Improving non-motorized use of highways within one quarter mile of schools and parks.(b-1) In addition to the goals set out in subsection (b) of this section, by September 30, 2021, the Complete Streets policy shall include: (1) A recognition of the need to create a comprehensive, integrated, and connected network for all modes of transportation;(2) Recommendations for the use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines;(3) A recognition that there must be sensitivity to the current and planned context of where projects will go, including buildings, land use, transportation, and community needs;(4) Performance standards with measurable outcomes; and(5) Specific next steps for implementing the policy as described.(c) DDOT shall incorporate the Complete Streets policy into the Transportation Strategic Plan, the Pedestrian Master Plan, the Bicycle Master Plan, and other DDOT plans, manuals, rules, regulations, and programs, including the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of all highways, unless: (1) Use of a particular highway by specified users is prohibited by law, including within interstate highway corridors, in which case DDOT shall endeavor to accommodate such users elsewhere, including on highways that cross or otherwise intersect with the affected highway;(2) The costs would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use of the particular highway; or(3) The safety of vehicular, pedestrian, or bicycle traffic would be placed at an unacceptable risk.(d) By September 30, 2022, and every 4 years thereafter, DDOT shall report to the Council on DDOT's progress towards implementing the Complete Streets policy during the previous 4 fiscal years, as well as plans for further implementation of the Complete Streets policy during the upcoming 4 fiscal years. These reports shall incorporate performance measures established by DDOT to determine how well streets are serving all users and identify barriers to implementing the Complete Streets policy.(e) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, may issue rules to implement the provisions of this section.Amended by D.C. Law 23-158,§ 7, 67 DCR 13057, eff. 12/23/2020.Oct. 8, 2016, D.C. Law 21-155, § 301, 63 DCR 10143.For requirement of the issuance of rules to implement title 7 of Law 21-155, see § 703 of D.C. Law 21-155.