Are Complete Streets Good for the Public Health of Texas?

It is well documented that changing lifestyles and environment are two important factors behind the rise in obesity rates over the past 20 years. Incomplete streets, those designed with only cars in mind, limit transportation choices by making walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation inconvenient, unattractive, and, too often, dangerous. Research shows that safety concerns are a leading reason behind why individuals choose to drive, versus walking or biking, short distances. Only 13 percent of children walked or biked to school in 2009, compared to 42 percent who did 40 years ago.