Advocates for users of non-motorized transportation have won a victory at Kalamazoo County. Commissioners approved a “Complete Streets” resolution in a nine-to-one vote on Tuesday, which calls for planning the county’s streets so they’re accessible to all legal users.
Supporters say that makes the county more inclusive and raises the quality of life.
Bike Friendly Kalamazoo founder Paul Selden called the resolution a “landmark” and told the commission that "Complete Streets" means targeted changes.
“Not sidewalks in every corn field. But stated in a positive way, where they make the most sense. In front of schools for example,” he said.
But Commissioner John Gisler, who cast the lone vote against the resolution, questioned Complete Streets’ relevance county-wide.
“My district, which is South County, is much more concerned with filling potholes, repairing bridges and culverts and controlling dust on gravel roads than they are worrying about bike lanes and sidewalks,” he said.
Gisler also said he’s worried Complete Streets could turn into directives for smaller governments. The resolution does not lay out specific policies.
Commissioner Roger Tuinier was absent.
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