Get Started Studio | Cars Only

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Photo: The message here is that only motor vehilces are welcome along this street (suburban Florida).

Description of Problem: Many of our streets were built in an era when pedestrians and bicyclists weren't considered as part of the picture. This street in Florida is a good example, but similar roads may be found just about anywhere.

If you look closely at the photo above, you can see evidence that people have walked and, quite possibly, bicycled in the dirt to the left of the curb. This is one way to tell that there's a latent demand for walking and bicycling in the area.

Often, in places where pedestrians and bicyclists don't count, the only people you'll see walking and biking are those with no alternative way to travel or those who really want to walk or bike. You may see kids, poor people, seniors who can't drive, runners, joggers, club bicyclists, and the like. You won't see "average people" out enjoying themselves.

Problem Statement: How can this street be made to better serve pedestrians and bicyclists, and not just the motorist?

Cars Only Ideas

Photo: The inner lane has been narrowed to allow for the addition of a bike lane.

To get people out of their cars, one important strategy is to make the street more inviting. In the photo above, a bicycle lane has been added, narrowing the outside traffic lane. Wide lanes can give motorists the feeling that they are on a highway. Narrowing the traffic lanes to add a bicycle lane helps let motorists know that they are NOT on a highway and can encourage them to slow down and can help channelize traffic a bit farther from the curb.

In the above photo, there is no concrete gutter; as a result, more of the bike lane space can be used for riding. With a concrete gutter, there is often a uneven joint between the gutter and the asphalt, reducing the effective width of the bike lane. As a general rule, in a situation like that shown, there should be 5 feet between the curb and the bike lane stripe. Where there is a concrete gutter, 4 feet should be allowed between the joint and the stripe.

The photo below shows yet another idea: a sidewalk and planting strip have been added. Notice that the sidewalk is wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Pedestrians enjoy walking and talking, something that's discouraged by narrow sidewalks. Five feet is a good minimum width to allow this. In addition, the planting strip adds a bit of a buffer and adds a bit of greenery. If space allows, it might also be appropriate to widen this strip to allow for street trees.

While these changes can help create a more friendly environment for pedestrians and bicyclists, more can be done. Land use changes can add destinations people can get to and things to see along the way. Also, safe crossings could make destinations on the other side of the street more accessible.

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