San Antonio, TX – October 21, 2024 – The City of San Antonio has taken a decisive step toward fostering safer, healthier, and more accessible neighborhoods with the adoption of an updated Complete Streets Policy. Passed as part of the city’s 2024 budget, this policy ensures that future street designs will prioritize all road users—people walking, biking, riding public transit or driving—while addressing long-standing gaps in infrastructure investment such as sidewalks with curb ramps, crosswalks and bicycle lanes in communities where they are needed most.
“The adoption of this policy is a clear demonstration of San Antonio's commitment to health equity. Parents need to safe while walking their children to school and residents should be able to safely and easily navigate to a bust stop to purchase food for their homes. By creating opportunities for more of these seemingly small events, we all contribute to a healthier community, where everyone has the opportunity to engage in active living and improve their heart health,” said Theresa Spiess, Executive Director for the American Heart Association in San Antonio.
The Complete Streets Policy prioritizes safety by embedding best practices for street design into all transportation projects, from new road construction to repairs and resurfacing. The result is a comprehensive approach to creating streets that accommodate all people, regardless of age, ability, or how they move through the city.
Physical inactivity is a major driver of chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Complete streets encourage daily physical activity by providing safer, more accessible spaces for walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation. Research shows that people who live in walk-able neighborhoods tend to engage in more moderate physical activity each week, significantly lowering their risk for health conditions tied to inactivity.
The benefits of Complete Streets extend beyond health outcomes. A more active population leads to better mental health, improved academic performance for children who can safely walk or bike to school, and a stronger sense of community.
Beyond promoting health, Complete Streets policies improve overall safety for all users. Streets designed with accessible sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and safer intersections lead to fewer crashes and injuries.
Recent studies show that Complete Streets projects lead to reductions in traffic-related injuries and fatalities. For example, a study of 37 complete streets projects across the country found that they saved more than $18 million in costs related to collisions and injuries in just one year.
San Antonio’s Complete Streets policy also addresses the need for equitable infrastructure investment. Many low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have historically lacked the infrastructure that makes streets safe for all users, such as well-maintained sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks. These communities often face higher rates of chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
With the updated policy, the city aims to prioritize infrastructure projects in areas that have been historically underinvested. “This policy shows how we can create more inclusive transit options, fostering a sense of belonging for all users—not just motorists,” said Lori Day, Advancement Program Director disABILITYsa. “Many residents in San Antonio, including those with disabilities, rely on public transportation and alternative mobility options. By adopting the updated Complete Streets principles, we can better serve the diverse needs of our community.”
San Antonio’s commitment to Complete Streets hopes to transform the city’s transportation infrastructure, making it safer and more inclusive for all residents. By embedding equitable street design into every project, San Antonio is leading the way toward a future where healthy, active, and safe transportation options are available to all.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Zahra Cruzan zahra.cruzan@heart.org 210.712.3216
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org