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San Francisco's policies encourage the design and development of 'Better Streets,' sometimes referred to as 'Complete Streets,' that work for all users. The San Francisco Better Streets Plan, adopted in December 2010, states: Better Streets are designed and built to strike a balance between all users regardless of physical abilities or mode of travel. A Better Street attends to the needs of people first, considering pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, street trees, stormwater management, utilities, and livability as well as vehicular circulation and parking.

The idea of a Complete Street is compelling in almost every way, but when the engineering profession begins to adopt it wholesale, we need to pause and look at the outcomes. Are we getting Complete Streets, or are we getting Complete Roads. The difference is tremendous and will impact the financial viability of an approach to building places that is long overdue.

An ideal complete streets policy: Includes a vision for how and why the community wants to complete its streets Specifies that 'all users' includes pedestrians, bicyclists and transit passengers of all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, buses and automobiles. Applies to both new and retrofit projects, including design, planning, maintenance, and operations, for the entire right of way. Makes any exceptions specific and sets a clear procedure that requires high-level approval of exceptions. Encourages street connectivity and aims to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected network for all modes. Is adoptable by all agencies to cover all roads. Directs the use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines while recognizing the need for flexibility in balancing user needs. Directs that complete streets solutions will complement the context of the community. Establishes performance standards with measurable outcomes. Includes specific next steps for implementation of the policy

The National Complete Streets Coalition works for the adoption and effective implementation of Complete Streets policies at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.

StreetPlan.net is a free web-based drag & drop tool for creating Complete Streets in just minutes. StreetPlan analyzes your design as you make it, giving you Red / Yellow / Green Best Practice guidance from "Designing Walkable Thoroughfares," a joint publication of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Congress for New Urbanism (ITE and CNU). You can also start from templates designed by NACTO.

Smart Growth America advocates for people who want to live and work in great neighborhoods. We believe smart growth solutions support businesses and jobs, provide more options for how people get around and make it more affordable to live near work and the grocery store. Our coalition works with communities to fight sprawl and save money. We are making America's neighborhoods great together.