Curbside Management
Tools for managing Curb Space:
What is The curb space realm?
Examples of Proactive Curbside Management Programs:
Understand the Jurisdiction-wide Values When Allocating the Curb Space Realm
Why? Progressive cities prioritize the three portions of the street right-of-way representing curb space (listed above) based on Street Type and modal priority (when designated). When right-of-way is limited, it is critical that a city prioritizes adequate sidewalk space, on-street parking, commercial loading, on-street bicycle / micromobility facilities, and transit priority lanes based on the street’s function and purpose in the community.
Here’s a world class example of how to ensure modal priorities are considered when allocating curb space: Baltimore Complete Streets Manual
Insight from the Forward Progress Curbside Management Program Self-Assessment Survey:
The results of the Forward Progress Self-Assessment Tool illustrate that a high percentage of cities currently operate traditional parking programs, generally responsible for (1) ensuring priority access for people with special needs and emergency vehicles; (2) managing curb space for vehicle parking, and (3) accommodating transit stops, commercial loading, and taxi stands. Given the current organizational structure of most cities, these and other competing demands are normally dealt with in a reactive, incremental manner by the parking staff.
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The good news is that cities desire the elements of a progressive curbside management program. Cities recognize that the new demands for e-commerce, priority bike and transit lanes, shared mobility docking, and other competing demands make decisions on curb space usage especially complex. Managing, prioritizing, and optimizing these competing demands warrant a proactive, comprehensive analysis, particularly in urban settings.
