Search title image

Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


  Previous tool  /  Next tool  

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

Reduced curb radii



   
Corner curbs have shorter radii to narrow the distance of the road that a pedestrian has to cross.
objective To reduce pedestrian exposure to vehicular traffic and the potential of being struck.
applications This treatment is used in high pedestrian activity areas such as downtowns where there is a need to create a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Tighter turning radii are particularly important where streets intersect at a skew.
target population All Pedestrians, Motorists
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation-Intersection, Pedestrian Violation-Intersection, Improper Turning, Excessive Speeds
advantages
  • Reduces the distance that pedestrians travel in the street and the potential for being struck by a vehicle
  • Vehicle turn speeds are reduced and pedestrian visibility is improved
  • Improves signal timing because the time for the pedestrian crossing phase can be reduced
disadvantages
  • Makes it harder for trucks and other larger vehicles to turn without the rear wheels mounting the corner curb, which can lead to damage of the sidewalk area. To avoid this problem, some drivers swing into opposing lanes of traffic, which can cause traffic delays.
  • Decreases vehicular capacity at intersection
pointers Narrow streets with larger heavy vehicle volumes, including bus and truck traffic, are not good candidates for this tool.
cost Medium to High, approximately $2,000-$20,000 for reconstructing a tighter turning radii per corner, depending on site conditions (e.g., drainage and utilities may need to be relocated).
responsibility Public Works
further reading

Ewing, R. Traffic Calming, State of the Practice. Report no. FHWA-RD-135. Washington, DC: ITE under contract with US DOT, FHWA, 1999

Canadian Guide to Neighborhood Traffic Calming. Ottawa, Ontario:  Transportation Association of Canada, December 1998
examples WalkBoston, Boston; City of Boston, MA
related tools Curb Extensions, Chicanes

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

  Previous tool  /  Next tool