This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
More bicycle lanes. Less-intimidating crosswalks. Narrower neighborhood streets.
These are among the ingredients for a more-transportation-friendly community, according to Michael Ronkin, a nationally recognized transportation planner who will conduct a series of workshops this week on how to create "complete streets" in Salt Lake County.
"We know how to build it right," he told the County Council on Tuesday. "And yet we tend to totally ignore pedestrians and bicyclists when we are planning and designing streets. The idea of complete streets is to ensure that we are building streets that are usable, safe, comfortable and convenient for all users."
Ronkin will meet with dozens of policymakers, engineers and planners Wednesday to discuss better design standards, then conduct a public workshop between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the County Government Center at 2001 S. State St.
His vision for "complete streets" includes more pedestrian signals, better curb cuts for people with disabilities, more crosswalks divided by center-lane medians, fewer driveways and more dedicated bicycle lanes.
Both Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City adopted "complete streets" ordinances in 2010.
Not only that, but Utah's capital city was recognized last year with a silver award from the League of American Bicyclists for its efforts in making Salt Lake City a more cycle-friendly community.
"Our goal is to bring back all modes of transportation to our citizens, whether it is cars, bicycles, feet or horses," County Mayor Peter Corroon said. "We want to make sure that people can use all modes of transportation."
The "complete streets" seminar will be presented this week before planning organizations such as the Wasatch Front Regional Council and Utah Department of Transportation. They will feature Ronkin and fellow transportation expert John LaPlante.
Free seminar
P The public is invited to a free seminar on "complete streets" between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 S. State St. The meeting will be held in the first-floor County Council chambers in the north building.