06/26/2002 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Principle No. 1: Street Width Table 1.2: Perceived Impediments to Narrow Streets 1. . Narrow streets interfere with the ability to clear and stockpile snow. FACT: FACT: . "Narrow" snowplows are available. Snowplows with 8' width, mounted on a pick -up truck are common. Some companies manufacture alternative plows on small "Bobcat" type machines (Frink America, 1997). Snow stockpiles on narrow streets can be accommodated if parking is restricted to one side of the street (ITE, 1997). 2. Narrow streets will cause traffic congestion. FACT: Narrow streets are generally appropriate only in residential areas that experience less than 500 trips per day. Street width is largely a function of traffic volume. Design criteria based on volume generally provide safe and efficient access in residential areas (ITE, 1993). 3. Narrow streets do not provide enough room for on- street parking. FACT: FACT: Parking can be accommodated through the use of "queuing streets" with only one travel lane (Bray and Rhodes, 1997; ASCE, 1990). Most communities require some off - street parking accommodation in residential subdivisions. Olympia, Washington requires two parking spaces per dwelling unit. On- street parking is used for visitor parking or parkable vehicles, such as boats (Wells, 1995). 4. Narrow streets can cause pedestrian/ vehicle accidents. FACT: FACT: In a study of over five thousand pedestrian and bicycle crashes, a narrow roadway was a factor in only two cases (FHA, 1996). Unsafe driving speed, • on the other hand, contributed to 225 accidents. Narrower street widths reduce the speed at which vehicles can drive (FHA, 1996). • 5. Narrow streets do not provide access for maintenance and service vehicles. FACT: FACT: CASE STUDY: Trash trucks require only a 10.5' travel lane (Waste Management, 1997), with a standard truck width of approximately 9' (BFI, 1997). In residential neighborhoods, trash collection often occurs simultaneously on both sides of the street; cars must wait for trash trucks to pass regardless of street width. Half ton mail trucks, smaller than many privately owned vehicles, are generally used in residential neighborhoods. Hand delivery of mail is also an option (US Post Office, 1997). School buses are typically eight feet wide (nine feet from mirror to mirror). Both Prince Georges County and Montgomery County, Maryland require only a 12' driving lane for bus access. Furthermore, school buses usually do not drive down every street, but instead meet children at bus stops on larger roads.