Applying complete streets concept in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Streets function as the place for interaction and communication, transportation, social and commercial activities for the general public. The concept of ‘complete street’ is gaining popularity worldwide. This study has assessed the current conditions of various functional streets’ categories in selected neighborhoods in Riyadh to examine the applicability of complete streets concept on streets within and outside neighborhoods. Recent policy shift in Saudi Arabia includes huge government outlays for public transportation, humanizing neighborhoods, promoting walking as a healthy lifestyle and rising fuel prices would create a positive atmosphere for the implementation of complete streets’ concept. Reclaiming streets to all users would be an important objective especially in cities that have been characterized as auto-dependent for decades. There is a need to reprioritize community development objectives for a more sustainable and livable environment.

Keywords

• Complete street
• streets functional classification
• transportation
• road network
• neighborhoods