Complete Streets Could Protect Pedestrians & Cyclists
Fort Wayne residents are sending a clear message: the way we design our roads needs to change.
Whether you're walking your dog, biking downtown, or pushing a stroller across the street, getting around safely shouldn't feel like a gamble. And now, new data proves that people across the city agree: it's time for streets that work for everyone.
At Glaser & Ebbs, our Fort Wayne pedestrian accident attorneys have seen firsthand how dangerous poorly designed roads can be for people on foot or riding bikes. When crosswalks are missing, signals are unclear, or intersections are designed for speed rather than safety, the risk of serious injury increases dramatically.
What Are "Complete Streets"?
Complete Streets are more than just buzzwords. They serve as a blueprint for safer, smarter transportation and urban design. A "Complete Street" considers everyone, not just drivers. That means marked bike lanes, wider sidewalks, safer crosswalks, better lighting, curb ramps, traffic calming features, and designs that allow both cars and people to coexist more peacefully.
And based on recent data, it's a vision that's gaining strong support.
Survey Reveals Strong Support from Older Residents
A recent AARP survey of Fort Wayne residents aged 50 and older highlights a clear message: the community wants safer, more accessible streets for everyone.
Here's what they found:
- 78% believe it's critical for the city to adopt a Complete Streets ordinance that designs roads for all users, whether you drive, walk, or bike.
- 90% of respondents use their cars regularly, but of them, a surprising 70% also walk on sidewalks or streets, and 32% ride bikes.
- Among those who walk or bike, one-third (32%) report feeling unsafe or having experienced a personal safety issue.
Even among those who don't walk or bike often, many still support the initiative, proving that this isn't just about lifestyle: it's about community well-being.
Why Streets Need to Work for More Than Just Cars
Driving might be the primary way to get around in Fort Wayne and other communities throughout Indiana, but not everyone has access to a vehicle. Even those who do may still rely on sidewalks, bike lanes, or public transportation to get around.
When streets are designed without pedestrians or cyclists in mind, the result is more close calls, more crashes, and less freedom for non-drivers. Safety shouldn't be a luxury.
In fact, in failure-to-yield crashes across Indiana, especially involving pedestrians or bicyclists, the consequences are often severe. It's not just inconvenient. It's deadly.
These victims have little to protect them from the force of impact, and even low-speed collisions can lead to life-altering injuries or loss of life. At Glaser & Ebbs, we help injured pedestrians and cyclists hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
Complete Streets = Safer Roads, Stronger Communities
This isn't just a "nice-to-have" policy. Adopting Complete Streets improves:
- Safety – Fewer crashes, especially involving pedestrians or cyclists
- Mobility – Easier access for seniors, people with disabilities, or families with young kids
- Health – More walkable cities encourage physical activity
- Environment – Less congestion, fewer emissions
- Local business – More foot traffic often boosts small business visibility
It's also worth noting that 44% of those surveyed said they feel "very safe" while walking or biking, but that leaves the majority feeling only somewhat safe or worse.
That's not good enough.
Everyone Deserves a Safer Way to Get Around
Streets aren’t just for cars. They’re shared spaces that should protect everyone, no matter how they travel. Fort Wayne has an opportunity to lead by example and adopt real, lasting changes that prioritize safety, access, and community well-being.
At Glaser & Ebbs, we stand with those calling for smarter infrastructure and stronger accountability. And when drivers fail to yield or cities fail to prioritize safety, we’re here to fight for the injured and help them move forward.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, don’t wait to learn your rights. Contact our Fort Wayne accident attorneys today for a free consultation. With six offices across Indiana, including Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, we’re here to help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
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