prerequisite Curb Uses
(Curb Program 201)
Progressive curbside management programs manage ALL curb space along the entity's streets.
Safety related curb space realm uses represent the highest priority in all community environments. These uses include:
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Direct access for emergency response vehicles
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Optimal location for fire hydrants
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Buffers for safe multimodal and traffic operations
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Street narrowing for pedestrian crossings and intersection safety
In addition to reserving curb space for safety purposes, the location of the variety of uses on a street segment should be strategically placed to minimize conflicting movements.
Further, the proximity of curb space realm components must be designed to function in a manner that maximizes the safety of the users. Examples include the proximity of (1) docking (boarding / alighting) uses to clear and direct sidewalk access; (2) emergency vehicle access and hydrant locations to building entrances; and (3) curb uses close to intersections and access points.
Safety-related curb space use includes tactics such as road diets to narrow road curb-to-curb distance to (a) reduce the distance for pedestrians to cross the street; and / or (b) reduce motor vehicle speeds. Adding on-street parking or docking capacity for adjacent uses may also be a technique to optically narrow travel lanes and calm motor vehicle speeds.
World Class programs (1) include ALL curb space in its program responsibilities; (2) coordinate closely with internal and external stakeholders to prioritize safety related uses; and (3) conduct a curb space realm specific safety analysis during routine curb space allocation, project planning, and development application reviews.
Safety First
After emergency responders, accessible parking spaces are the highest priority occupants of static curb space. At a minimum, entities should have widespread, strategically located accessible parking spaces available for those in need. With the advent of new technologies, real-time reservation systems can be deployed to optimize curb space use while meeting the demand for accessible parking spaces.
World Class programs use a system to provide dynamic, reservation-based accessible parking spaces for all motor vehicles, including connected autonomous vehicles. This system expands and contracts based on the accessible parking needs, ensuring adequate space when demand exists.
Accessible parking spaces
Simply put, Public Works functions must have access to the curb space realm to collect refuse, remove snow, sweep streets, and many other maintenance activities.
World Class programs ensure that the planning, design, and operation of the curb space realm accommodate these functions to minimize docking in spaces which may cause safety risks, block travel lanes, and / or impede accessibility and mobility.