How Do Main Streets Relate to Complete Streets?
Main Streets are enhanced Complete Streets.
Edmonton’s Complete Streets Design and Construction Standards guide all streets to be designed as Complete Streets, but it doesn’t list any high-profile Main Streets or provide detailed guidelines for enhanced streetscaping. The Main Streets Guideline addresses this gap and is an addition to the Complete Streets Design and Construction Standards.
Main Streets Design Guideline
A guideline for designing Edmonton’s Main Streets was created in winter 2015. It will be used in the planning and design of Main Streets.
How Are Main Streets Different?
Main Streets are different than Complete Streets in some key ways.
Main Streets are pedestrian priority streets
- Designed to improve the pedestrian experience
- Entice people to linger on the street by widening sidewalks
- Provide additional space for street furniture and landscaping
- Buffer pedestrians from traffic
In planning and design, motor vehicle space is not increased
- Prioritize moving people not just motor vehicles
- Enhance and rebalance the environment for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users
Include a “Flexible Space”
- Provide space for a variety of uses - patios, transit shelters, boardwalks, parklets
- Include an area for temporary businesses like food trucks or street vendors