A NOTE ON SURFACE TREATMENTS
The Application Case Studies chapter (see page 86) provides more striping guidance. For community-led demonstration projects, striping can be a challenging element to install. Where volunteers are working in a live roadway, a traffic control plan may be needed to ensure the work area is safe. In some cases, cities have used their own professional in-house crews to apply lines / striping for projects, allowing volunteers to handle the placemaking and programming elements. The MemFIX program in Memphis, TN is a successful example of this city - citizen partnership approach.
Safety Planning + Design Maintenance
Surface treatments, such as striping, and pavement markings, are a critical design element for many of the project types described in this guide. While many surface treatments are governed by established standards (such as pavement markings within bike lanes), other project types provide room to use surface treatments more creatively. Examples include artistic crosswalks, painted intersections, or street murals below people’s feet in bike corrals, curb extensions, and pedestrian plazas. Colorful surface treatments can help define a space and enhance aesthetic appeal. However, removal and maintenance are important considerations — over time, paint and other colorful surface treatments will wear down and fade. In areas with frequent power-washing or plowing, degradation of materials can be a particular concern. The chart to the right provides a list of factors to consider when choosing surface treatments for striping, pavement markings, or defining a newly claimed area of excess asphalt with color treatments.
SURFACE TREATMENT CRITERIA Safety For All Street Users (walking, cycling, driving, wheeling etc.) Visibility / Reflectivity (if appropriate) Non-slip (consider treatment condition when wet) Availability / Ease of Procurement Aesthetics (Consider local context, wear and tear over anticipated project duration) Cost (Consider what treatment is most cost effective for the anticipated project interval) Anticipated Duration Re-Surfacing Frequency Ease of installation (may consider use by city crews, volunteers, or artists) Removable (if required)
Photos left to right: The Islington Street Lab demonstration project, Portsmouth, NHJ (Street Plans); Tactical Urbanism Workshop in Great Falls, MT (Julia Moss, Great Falls Tribune); A N\ neighborhood greenway demonstration in progress, Burlington, VT (Street Plans) Colorful street mural below bike corral in San Francisco, CA (SFMTA).
MATERIALS PALETTE · Surface Treatments · 45