Cleveland Heights Safe Streets Policy Ranked Best In U.S.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cleveland Heights' new safe streets policies have earned national recognition.

The National Complete Streets Coalition released its Best Complete Street Policies of 2018 list, which recognizes cities that passed policies making streets safer for people...not vehicles. Cleveland Heights was ranked first on the list.

Cleveland Heights is now one of 1,477 communities nationwide that have adopted Complete Streets policies before the end of 2018. Each community had to make a commitment to moving people, not vehicles, as the highest priority for the local transportation network.

“Policies like the one passed in Cleveland Heights are urgently needed,” said Emiko Atherton, director of the National Complete Streets Coalition. “The number of people struck and killed while walking has increased by 35 percent in the last decade nationally, at the same time that overall traffic fatalities have gone down. The good news is that we already have the solution: designing and building streets that are safe for everyone who needs to use them. A strong Complete Streets policy is the first critical step toward making that a reality across the country, and we applaud Cleveland Heights for their hard work.”

The National Complete Streets Coalition said they adjusted their grading for the 2018 policies, making grading more rigorous and demanding. The changed metrics led to lower average scores nationwide, but Cleveland Heights managed to notch a 91 grade — easily the highest in the U.S.

“To have one of the best Complete Streets policies in the nation is a testament to the collaborative work of highly capable and dedicated staff, residents, and elected officials,” said City Manager Tanisha Briley. “Councilwoman Mary Dunbar, Planning Director Richard Wong, and the residents who volunteer their time on the City’s Transportation Advisory Committee deserve special recognition for their work in designing an award worthy policy that will help ensure our streets are safe and comfortable for all users regardless of mode of transportation or ability. We are truly excited to receive this national recognition for our efforts.”

The full report from the National Safe Streets Coalition can be downloaded online.