'Complete streets' bill would encourage redesigned roadways

A bill designed to encourage walking and biking will be introduced at the legislature Monday.

It's called the "Complete Streets" bill, and it directs the Minnesota Department of Transportation to plan for all types of uses as it designs new roads and rebuilds old ones.

DFL Rep. Mike Obermueller of Eagan said it will provide several benefits.

"It makes good sense for people trying to plan ahead, so we use money efficiently; makes sense to think about how we'll reduce the epidemic of obesity we have," Obermueller said. "[It] gets people out moving around, makes it easier to use the roads, and frankly the best reason is, it makes the roads a lot safer for everybody who comes in contact with them."

The bill applies to roads built with state money and also encourages local governments to plan for all road users.