The City of Richmond in Virginia allocated $15 million in their budget to make transportation in the city safer for pedestrians and bicyclists through implementing Complete Streets policies. “Complete Streets” is a term describing a community that has safe and convenient travel for everyone and for all modes of transportation. Complete streets have safe crosswalks, accessible sidewalks, public transit and protected bicycle lanes that make it easy and safe to get to work, school, stores and parks.
Robin Gahan, VP Health Strategies for the American Heart Association, serves on the Richmond City Health District’s Complete Streets Working Group and was also an active advocate for this important funding along with American Heart Association volunteers and other community partners.
“Complete streets are safe, people-friendly and support good health by making it easier and safer for people to be physically active while going around the city,” said Gahan. “Studies show that people who live in walkable neighborhoods generally get more physical activity each week and have a lower risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers than those who live in neighborhoods that are less walkable.”
Help us weave healthy living practices, policies and opportunities into our community by joining our You’re the Cure network of volunteer advocates today!