Many streets in the Twin Cities are loud, have frequent crashes and lack safe places to walk and bike, and it doesn’t have to be this way.

Young kid on bicycle with helmet, parent and other child on roller skates in the background.

Designing streets solely for car traffic harms our communities.

While it might not be at the front of your mind, the way streets are designed in your community impacts your likelihood of being involved in a crash, your ability to get around without a car, and the quality of air you breathe.

Redesigning streets for everyone with universal design.

Universal design is a street planning approach that prioritizes accessibility, mobility and usability. It’s centered on the vision that everyone should be able to comfortably and easily use our streets.

Each year, over 150 people on average are killed or severely injured in traffic crashes in Minneapolis. These tragedies are preventable through street design options like raised crosswalks and asphalt art.

Create an Asphalt Art Program

Universal Design for Complete Streets

When we have more greenery, trees, and opportunities for mode shift, air and noise pollution is reduced. Air and noise pollution from traffic has immediate and long-term impacts on public health.

Pollution: Environmental Justice Data Portal

Create a Cumulative Impacts Law for Transportation

More dangerous streets often border or intersect communities of color and do not prioritize the safety and well-being of those who live alongside them. Traffic crashes disproportionately impact Native American and Black community members.

Minneapolis Vision Zero Crash Study

Environmental Justice Data Portal

Streets that are designed exclusively for automobiles limit mobility for people who cannot access a car.

Municipal Sidewalk Plowing Initiative

Universal Design for Complete Streets

Streets that prioritize car traffic lose out on promoting small businesses. They limit business growth, occupancy, and employee retention.

Bicycles are Good for Business

Put People First in the Lyndale Avenue S Redesign

Complete streets are safe streets.

Every street reconstruction needs to reflect universal design strategies.

7,500

9° F

26%

Explore local street projects.

Streets need community input. Instead of designing streets for cars, we should incorporate universal design and design streets to be vibrant spaces that support the many ways that people get around.