(a) In adopting and implementing “The Virgin Islands Complete Streets Act of 2022” the Government of the Virgin Islands shall plan, develop, and provide a more integrated, multimodal transportation network that will enhance the quality of life of all Virgin Islanders. All modes of transportation, including walking, bicycling, using public transportation, freight traffic and emergency response vehicles must be equitably considered in every stage of planning and implementation of the policy. All residents regardless of age, physical ability or economic status must be able to choose from diverse, integrated transportation options which are safe, affordable, convenient, and efficient. It is also the intent of this subchapter that the Virgin Islands Complete Street Task Force established in section 54 shall prepare the Territory for the future of transportation being built around the transition to vehicle electrification, engaging with the private sector and leaders across all levels of federal and local government to promote best practices and advocate for public policy solutions.
(b) Although motor vehicle use will continue to serve personal needs, equitable consideration of other transportation modes must occur in every aspect of planning, construction of all new projects and the maintenance, repair or retrofit of such projects. Consideration of all users with particular emphasis on the prioritization of the needs of the most vulnerable residents and the most historically disenfranchised communities throughout all phases of development of the policy must be prioritized. To this end, adequate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalks must be constructed on at least one side of all streets. In the commercial area of all towns where upgrading sidewalks would prove most expensive and would significantly hamper commercial activity and limit access, innovative planning, including pedestrian-only streets in combination with more off-street parking in multi-level parking must be explored.
(c) To guarantee transparency and accountability and to identify all public concerns and assess transit needs of all users, adequate methods to provide public input through public hearings, including sufficient public notice of comment periods, must be provided.
(d) Best practice guidelines must be adopted and immediately incorporated in all projects and phases of construction from the following resources, which include but are not limited to: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Green Book; AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Designing and Operating Pedestrian Facilities; AASHTO Guide to the Development of Bicycle Facilities; Federal Highway Administration’s Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks; Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context-Sensitive Approach and Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets; The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), Urban Bikeway Design Guidelines and Urban Street Design Guidelines; US Access Board Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines; Safe Routes to School; America Walks; AARP’s Livable Communities; Be Active; CDC’s Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design; CDC’s Healthy Places; and CDC’s Guidelines on Physical Activity, and Healthy Community Design of Healthy Neighborhoods.
(e) The resources listed in subsection (d) must be used as applicable, but their use does not preclude the use of other safe, innovative, or non-traditional design options that may be better suited for the Territory’s needs.