Overcoming Barriers to Complete Streets Policy Implementation through Advocacy and Education: Findings from an Evaluation in New York State

Introduction: Complete streets (CS) policies are considered to be an important strategy to encourage active travel and increase physical activity.  In addition to numerous municipal and county level CS policies, New York State (NYS) adopted a statewide policy in 2011 yet delayed the release of implementation guidelines until 2013.  Methods:  As part of a mixed methods evaluation of municipal, county, and statewide CS policies in NYS, 9 key informant interviews were conducted in March 2013 to learn about barriers and facilitators to CS implementation in diverse settings.  Qualitative interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide and were analyzed using N-Vivo software to identify pre-existing and emergent themes.  Results:  Challenges to CS implementation included lack of safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, lack of financing, and institutional resistance to implementation in departments of transportation.  Facilitators included offering training and technical assistance on CS to transportation/ public works departments, educating the public and advocating for CS with community members, and implementing overlapping policies that fortify CS policies such as zoning codes and land use plans.  One informant explained, “I have to give plenty of credit to all the process pieces that go into all this work. We’ve had [our CS policy] on paper for 2 years, but it takes you more time to have it successful with every project.” Discussion: Drawing on study findings, this presentation will provide recommendations to encourage CS implementation through trainings, updating official state design manuals, and working with local communities to improve active transportation facilities in NYS.