FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2014

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health applauds the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for promoting active lifestyles through the new Complete Streets Policy. Complete Streets requires streets to be planned, designed and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of the mode of transportation.

FDOT’s implementation of the Complete Streets Policy aligns with the Department’s Healthiest Weight Florida initiative to increase opportunities for physical activity. The new developments will promote healthier living through access to safer walkways, transit and bicycle lanes.

“I congratulate the Florida Department of Transportation for putting in place the Complete Streets Policy that supports more active living across communities in Florida,” says State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Safer walkways and bicycle lanes encourage Floridians and visitors to build healthy activities into their daily lives.”

FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad said, “The Florida Department of Transportation is committed to building complete streets, ensuring our roadways are safe for all road users. We must make our roads more conducive to walking and biking in support of a healthier Florida.”

It is the goal of FDOT to implement a policy that promotes safety, quality of life and economic development in Florida. Through the Complete Streets Policy, FDOT is guiding transportation planners and engineers to routinely design and operate the entire right of way system to enable safe access for all citizens.

FDOT has begun the implementation of the Complete Streets Policy and expects it to take approximately one year to complete. FDOT will coordinate with local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, transportation agencies and the public to provide Complete Streets on the State Highway System and the Strategic Intermodal System.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. During 2014, the Department is recognizing 125 years of public health in Florida with educational opportunities and events. Please visit www.FLHealth125.gov for more information.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.