Complete Streets Law Will Help Plan for Needs of Older Drivers and Pedestrians

The aging of Hawaii’s baby boomers poses significant challenges for the planning, design, and operation of our roads and transit systems—as well as pedestrian and bicycle facilities. With the passage of a “Complete Streets” law in the 2009 legislative session, the state has taken a big step toward meeting those challenges and making it safer and easier for residents of all ages and physical abilities to get around in the years ahead.

Act 54 (SB 718) requires state and county transportation departments to accommodate access and mobility for all users of public highways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and persons of all abilities. The Complete Streets law is being hailed as a touchstone for transportation planning and design that takes into account Hawaii’s aging population.

“AARP salutes the Legislature and the governor for supporting this landmark legislation,” said AARP Hawaii State Director Barbara Kim Stanton. “Over the next 20 years the number of people in the islands age 65 and older is projected to swell to about 327,000. Already, we’re one of the most dangerous states in the nation for older pedestrians, and there’s a pressing need for planners to take into account the dangerous mix of people and cars on our roads. This law paves the way for better transit services, safer walking facilities, and better mobility options for our kūpuna in the years ahead.”

The new law also coincides with the release of a national transportation report by AARP’s Public Policy Institute. Titled “Planning Complete Streets for an Aging America,” the report warns that two-thirds of American transportation planners and engineers have yet to begin addressing the needs of older people in their planning. Streets, sidewalks and roadways designed to achieve Complete Streets can make getting around safer for everyone, it suggests.

The report recommends that federal, state, and local highway and street design guidelines serve older people by:

• reducing vehicle travel speeds at intersections where older drivers and pedestrians need more time to make decisions and execute changes;
• making the physical layout of roads, crosswalks and sidewalks easier to navigate;
• making it easier for older drivers and pedestrians to notice, read, understand and respond to visual cues and information.

The principal author of the transportation report visited Hawaii in July. AARP Policy Advisor Jana Lynott met with transportation stakeholders about planning for an aging society. She also engaged the public and policymakers in conversations about Complete Streets, laying the groundwork for successful implementation of the bill and preparing the public for involvement in the Pedestrian Master Planning Process and Transit Oriented Development in connection with Oahu’s rail system.

To get involved in the Pedestrian Master Planning Process and Transit Oriented Development discussions, or to learn more about pedestrian, cycling and transit amenities that can help older adults, contact AARP Hawaii at (808) 545-6003.