Diagrams by Kriti Sharma
RIGHT SIZE THE LANES!
13-FOOT LANES ARE
A WASTE OF SPACE
This diagram illustrates a typical 70-foot wide street designed with four travel lanes and two rows of parking. The use of wider 13-foot lanes often encourages swerving traffic at higher speeds. Additionally, the presence of expansive parking lanes occupies valuable space that could be repurposed for revitalization efforts. Traffic volume data frequently indicates that reducing the number of lanes could still effectively accommodate daily vehicle traffic.
SMALL ADJUSTMENT
= BIG IMPACT
Reducing the width of parking and traffic lanes by just 2 feet each creates an additional 12 feet of space, allowing for the addition of a median in the roadway. This median could feature greenery and trees, providing shade and enhancing the livability of the street. Such a simple adjustment in lane width can pave the way for meaningful environmental improvements.
REDUCE TRAFFIC LANES TO MAKE
WAY FOR MORE INFRASTRUCTURE
Eliminating two lanes of traffic opens up opportunities to introduce bike infrastructure in the area. With the addition of 3-foot medians and parking to buffer cyclists from traffic, a dedicated one-way bike lane can be established on each side of the road. This reconfiguration also allows for a 4.5-foot extension of the sidewalk, enhancing programming and inviting pedestrians for businesses.
ADDITIONAL READING
Read more about how right sized lanes foster an environment and opportunities that make for cleaner, quieter & ultimately safer cities.
How Narrower Traffic Lanes Could Help Reduce Crashes
Narrower streets with room for bike lanes and sidewalks could pay dividends for health and safety.
In a win for the climate, urban speed limits are dropping
Slower traffic speeds protect pedestrians and cyclists, helping more people access climate-friendly transportation.
The Curative Power of Quieter Cities
As the negative effects of noise pollution become increasingly clear, communities are working together to turn down the volume.