Complete Streets Committee

What is a Complete Street?

A Complete Street is a street that is designed and operated to enable safe use of the street by all users. Complete Streets aspire to create livable communities for various types of users, including children, people with disabilities, and older adults. Complete Streets improve equity, safety, and public health while reducing transportation costs and traffic woes. 

There is no singular design prescription for Complete Streets; each one is unique and responds to its community context. A Complete Street may include: sidewalks, bike lanes (or wide paved shoulders), special bus lanes, comfortable and accessible public transportation stops, frequent and safe crossing opportunities, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions, narrower travel lanes, roundabouts, sufficient bicycle parking, and more.

About the Committee

Mission: The Complete Streets Committee was formed in 2016 to advocate for and promote the safe use of streets for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit riders of all ages and abilities.

We advocate for Complete Streets because when residents feel comfortable engaging in the street, whether by walking, biking, using a mobility aid, or taking public transportation, public health and quality of life are improved. The Complete Streets Committee supports diverse uses of the street through events, outreach, education, advocacy, and partnering with the Department of Public Works, Montpelier Alive, Green Mountain Transit, local schools, and many others.



Meeting Time

The Complete Streets Committee meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 5:30 - 6:45 pm in person in the City Manager's Room of City Hall and also via Zoom. All meetings are open to the public and we welcome any feedback about pedestrian, bicycle and public transportation concerns.

Members

The roles of Chair and Co-Chair are rotated with each Committee member serving in each role for three months before passing the role to another Committee member. Members of the Complete Streets Committee are not required to reside in Montpelier. Anyone interested in being appointed to the Committee by the City Council is encouraged to apply.

  • Bret Appel
  • Holly Fowler
  • John Kim (alternate) 
  • Merrick Modun
  • Hanif Nazerali (alternate)
  • David Ory
  • Scott Richardson 
  • Nancy Schulz
  • Corey Line (Staff Rep)

* Bicycle Basics for Fun and Safe Riding * - Free Workshops for Adults

Sign up for one, several, or all six sessions of this FREE series. Each session will feature a distinct topic in the classroom and an optional, guided bicycle ride. All who wish to participate in the rides must arrive with a bicycle in good working order and must wear a helmet. All sessions will be held in the Memorial Room at City Hall in Montpelier. Session days and times: Six (6) consecutive Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, beginning May 9 and ending June 13. Advance registration is required. 

To register, please email instructor Nancy Schulz: at SaddleShoes2@gmail.com

Session 1, May 9, 5:30 to 7:00 pm: “Adjusting Your Bike & Helmet for Comfort & Fit”  

Does your helmet slip around or give you a headache? Is your back or neck sore when you ride? Do you wonder if your seat is at the right height and angle? This session will address these questions and it will also teach you the “Eyes, Ears, and Mouth Test.” Classroom time will be followed by an optional, guided bicycle ride.

Session 2, May 16, 5:30 to 7:00 pm: “Riding Safely on Vermont’s Roads”  

How should a bicyclist deal with car traffic, loose dogs, sand, railroad tracks and rough roads? Does the law require helmets for children and/or adults?? Is side-by-side riding allowed? Is riding on the sidewalk legal? This session will answer these questions and many more about sharing the road safely and legally. Classroom time will be followed by an optional, guided bicycle ride.

Session 3, May 23, 5:30 to 7:00 pm: “What to Wear, Eat & Do to Stay Comfortable on Your Bike”

This class will address discomfort prevention and remedies in the form of specific stretches, alternative riding positions, equipment variations, clothing recommendations, nutritional suggestions and riding styles to keep your riding enjoyable in all kinds of conditions. Classroom time will be followed by an optional, guided bicycle ride.

Session 4, May 30, 5:30 to 7:00 pm: “Applying Simple Solutions to Basic Bike Problems”

Do your brakes rub or squeal? Is your shifting sluggish or do your gears slip? Do you get frequent flat tires? Do you hear clicking or clunking sounds when you ride? This session will show you how to diagnose common bicycle problems and teach you what to do about them. Classroom time will be followed by an optional, guided bicycle ride.

Session 5, June 6, 5:30 to 7:00 pm: “Taking the Mystery Out of Shifting”

How do you know when to shift? What are some tips for biking uphill and downhill? What is a derailleur and how does it work? Why is it important to lubricate a chain and how do you do it? This session will address all of these questions and more. Classroom time will be followed by an optional, guided bicycle ride.

Session 6, June 13, 5:30 to 7:00 pm: “Is an E-Bike Right for You?”  

E-bikes come in many varieties. Some factors to consider before purchasing one include: price, weight, style of frame, amount of power, fit, availability and requirements for transport. Find out the pros and cons of various makes and models as you consider which may be most appropriate for you. Classroom time will be followed by an optional, guided bicycle ride. The bike ride will be suitable for both e-bikes and non.