Project Issue
The Birmingham metro area ranks as the 13th most dangerous region in the U.S. for walking. Pedestrian deaths increased by 35.4% nationally during the past 10 years. Alabama ranks as the second-most dangerous state in the nation for walkers; and the Birmingham metro area ranks as the 13th most dangerous region in the U.S. for walking.
Bold Goal
Create safe, accessible streets, sidewalks and trails for all users in the Greater Birmingham area.
Action
We are linking community organizations with City of Birmingham staff to design and build streets that are safe and accessible for everyone, regardless of how they travel or their abilities. “Complete Streets Birmingham” is an initiative focused on developing policies that ensure city streets allow for safe, convenient, accessible travel via sidewalks, bike lanes, curb cuts and designated bus lanes to support a more efficient transit system.
Impact/Progress
While the overarching goal of Complete Streets is to create more well-connected, user-friendly neighborhoods for everyone, a significant by-product is the promotion of healthier living. Research shows that people are more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels — and are potentially healthier –if they have safe places to walk close to home; and people are 65% more likely to walk in a neighborhood with sidewalks.
Project Partners
- AARP
- American Heart Association
- Birmingham Business Alliance
- Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority
- City of Birmingham
- Disability Rights and Resources
- Freshwater Land Trust
- Lakeshore Foundation
- Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham
- REV Birmingham
- United Way of Central Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Zyp Bikeshare
Learn How You Can Help
For information on ways that you can support this vital community project, please contact us at info@boldgoals.org or call 205.458.2059.