Southern Nevada is growing fast, with more people moving here for employment opportunities, a vibrant community, and a unique lifestyle. As the region expands, so does the need for streets that are designed for all the ways people move around, not just in cars. That’s where “complete streets” comes in. But what exactly is a complete street, and how do they make life better?
Complete streets are designed to be safe, comfortable, and accessible for all users—whether they’re driving, walking, biking, rolling, or taking the bus. They include things like wider sidewalks, bike lanes, trees, and better lighting that make it easier to connect all the ways people get around. The goal is to create streets that safely and seamlessly connect people to destinations, however they choose to move.
Below are some examples of complete streets projects in the valley:
One of the biggest benefits of complete streets is improved safety. Features like better lighting, clearer signage, wider sidewalks, and enhanced bike lanes help create a safer environment for everyone. Adding elements like medians and street trees create a “visual squeeze,” which reduces the field of vision, naturally slowing down cars, which makes the road safer for everyone.
Complete streets also encourage us to be more active. They make it more comfortable to walk, ride a bike, or use a wheelchair. In a hot region like Southern Nevada, shaded sidewalks and resting spots are important. When streets have these features, people are more likely to leave their cars at home and choose healthier ways to get around. Regular physical activity has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Reducing the number of cars on the road has a direct impact on air quality. Complete streets help combat this by promoting alternative transportation options that produce fewer emissions. Fewer cars on the road mean less air pollution, contributing to a cleaner environment and a higher quality of life for everyone in the region.
Beyond the local and federal funding managed by the RTC, you can directly support the Complete Streets Fund. If you’ve registered your vehicle in Nevada recently, you might have seen the option to donate $2 to the Complete Streets Fund. You can make this donation when renewing your registration in-person, online at dmv.nv.gov, or at any DMV kiosk, helping to enhance the streets in our community neighborhood.
To learn more about Complete Streets, visit: RTC Complete Streets.
Complete streets aren’t just about getting from point A to point B. By designing roads that are safe, accessible, and comfortable for everyone, we can provide economic development opportunities and increase quality of life, making Southern Nevada an even better place to live, work, and play.
