Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Birmingham’s Complete Streets initiative adds 30+ miles to Red Rock Trail System
Reading time: 2 minutes
The Red Rock Trail System® has gained more than 30 miles since 2018 thanks to Birmingham’s Complete Streets initiative.
The Freshwater Land Trust announced the landmark accomplishment last week on WBRC’s monthly Good Day Alabama Red Rock Tuesday feature.
What is the Complete Streets initiative?
When most people think of the Red Rock Trail System®, they think of a network of greenways and hiking/biking trails like Rotary Trail and the Shades Creek Greenway.
However, over half of the planned trails within the Red Rock Trail System are “Complete Streets”—roadways that support all kinds of users.
These trails connect people not only to recreational trails but also to parks, transit lines, commercial districts and vital community services.
Since the City of Birmingham passed the Complete Streets ordinance seven years ago, it has incorporated bike lanes and sidewalks on city roadways whenever major repairs or resurfacing are planned. As a result, nearly 30 miles of trails have been added since the inception of the rule.
Examples of “Complete Streets” around town include:
- 2nd Avenue South near Pepper Place
- Graymont Avenue
- Woodlawn neighborhood along 1st Avenue South
- Rugby Avenue near Ruffner Mountain
160 miles of trails, bike lanes and more
With the Complete Streets additions, Jefferson County’s Red Rock Trail System® now encompasses 160 miles of trails, parks and bike lanes with accompanying sidewalks.
Want to learn more about the Complete Streets initiative and how it works in Birmingham?
Check out Jeh Jeh Pruitt’s Red Rock Tuesday interview with the Freshwater Land Trust and James Fowler with the Birmingham Department of Transportation.
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