Curb extensions are a traffic calming device. Also known as bulb-outs or neck-downs, curb extensions extend the sidewalk or curb line out into the parking lane, which reduces the effective street width. Curb extensions help both the pedestrian and the motorist.
For the pedestrian, curb extensions have several benefits. Curb extensions provide a greater walking surface for pedestrians. The added sidewalk area allows for a larger volume of pedestrians. Curb extensions also narrow the roadway which decreases the distance that pedestrians must cover when crossing the street. Shortening the crossing distance for pedestrians reduces the time that the pedestrians must be the street. The narrowing of the street also helps that pedestrian see the traffic.
There also many benefits to curb extensions for the motorist as well. First off, the curb extensions slow traffic. The narrowing of the roadway reduces the speed of the automobiles traveling down roads as well as automobiles making turns in intersections. Curb extensions prevent motorists from illegally parking near intersections. The visibility of motorists is also improved by curb extensions.
Curb extensions benefit both pedestrian and motorist. Curb extensions are a transportation technology that can effectively improve the safety and quality of a community’s streets.
There's more information about, and examples of, curb extensions at these Web sites:
Federal Highway Administration
WalkingInfo.org
U.S. Mayors Traffic Safety Iniative: Cambridge, MA
Pedestrians.org
Montgomery County, PA: Planning By Design
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