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Elements of Complete Streets
CURB-LANE MANAGEMENT The curb-lane includes pick-up and drop-off zones, freight delivery zones, short-term parking for retail, long-term parking in residential contexts, and operating space for streetcars and buses. The market penetration of Transportation Network Companies (e.g., Lyft, Uber) has increased demand for curbside loading zones, largely in urban contexts, with high demand around nightlife destinations. In addition, delivery vehicles frequently use the curb-lane. The provision of a safe loading space is important for the safety of all street users; vehicles that drop-off and pick-up by double parking put other drivers at risk, can block bike lanes, and require their passengers to walk in the street. The demand for curbside space will likely further increase with the market penetration of Autonomous Vehicles (AV) as discussed in the AV section below. While a decreased need for on-street parking may allow for greater curb-lane flexibility, portions of the curb-lane may need to be retained as an interaction point between vehicles and their patrons. While the curb-lane will likely continue to act as the place where transit, parking, and pick- up/drop-off interact with the sidewalk, shifts in how streets are used provide opportunities to extend the sidewalk realm into the curb-lane. Items such as parklets, bike parking, and bikeshare stations represent traditional sidewalk uses that are suited to curb-lane use. By moving larger furniture items to the curb-lane, more sidewalk space can be preserved for café seating and through movement space. PARKING On‐street parking is important in urban environments for three reasons: 1) for the success of the retail businesses that line the street, 2) to provide a buffer for people walking or riding a bike, and 3) to help calm traffic speeds. On‐street parking should be located based on the context of the urban roadway and the needs of the adjacent land use. On‐street parking should be primarily parallel parking on Urban Main Street or Suburban Town Center typologies. Angle parking may be used on low‐ speed and low‐volume commercially oriented streets, primarily those serving as main streets. Curb extensions should be provided in place of on‐street parking at mid‐block crosswalks and intersection crosswalks. Curb extensions reduce the distance that pedestrians must cross within the traveled way, help to calm traffic, and serve as opportunities for rain gardens and other forms of aesthetic enhancement. Smart technology streets recognize the potential to better manage on-street parking. The next evolution of parking management includes sensors which detect parking space occupancy and allow for dynamically priced on-street parking. Sensor installation can help direct vehicles to on-street parking availability, helping reduce the congestion and emissions which are generated by drivers looking for parking. Generally, dynamic pricing can help balance the demand for spots in urban contexts and encourage turnover where it is important to street-level retail.
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