CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon will stress the importance of walking, biking and public transit in opening remarks at a “Complete Streets” training event.

The Democrat and candidate for state comptroller will call for investment in bike lanes and sidewalks across southern Illinois.

The event will be held Tuesday at the Carbondale Civic Center.

The Complete Streets planning policy is a new approach to urban planning that highlights the importance of public and pedestrian transit.Representatives of the Active Transportation Alliance will provide free training to local planning and zoning board members.

The project is developed by Smart Growth America. Nine public health agencies in downstate Illinois have signed on to the idea.

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