3 | DESIGNING THE TRAVELED WAY
ON-STREET PARKING
Lakeland
Local businesses in downtowns depend on onstreet parking. Furthermore, on-street parking has a positive impact on the pedestrian realm by buffering the pedestrians from passing traffic. Pedestrians feel far more comfortable and safe on streets with occupied on-street parking. Parked cars help calm traffic by visually narrowing and increasing friction along the edge of the roadway. All the ingredients must be in the right mix to get the maximum benefit from on-street parking. When on-street parking is under-utilized, the result is a wider street with faster speeds.
Parallel parking
Other information. A parking lane can be designated for different purposes throughout the day, such as commercial loading during the morning, public parking during the day, and valet parking at night. On-street parking should be prohibited approaching intersections or driveways because it can obscure site lines for all users of the road.
Back-in angled parking in Seattle
ON-STREET PARKING STRATEGIES Location
Application/Use
Downtowns and residential streets
Most appropriate locations for on-street parking. Enhances traffic calming effect and improves access to local shops and residences. Parking lanes (parallel parking) should be a minimum of 7 ft. wide, with 8 ft. preferred.
Areas with high parking turnover
Although it is illegal for motorists to open car doors into oncoming traffic, this hazard should be considered when developing an appropriate design. Crashes can occur in locations with high parking turnover, such as main streets and commercial streets with restaurants and businesses. Where there are narrow parking lanes (7 ft.) with high turnover, an adjacent 6-ft. bicycle lane is recommended.
Controlling vehicle speeds
Parking creates traffic calming measures
Areas with angled parking
The preferred orientation is back-in angled parking. It provides more visibility when pulling back into traffic, and more visibility between bicyclists and motorists. The longer rear overhang requires the use of wheel stops to ensure parked vehicles do not encroach upon the sidewalk.
POLK County | COMPLETE STREETS HANDBOOK
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