Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System
Parking restrictions at intersections may provide help pedestrians to safely cross the street by providing them with a clearer view of oncoming vehicles. Source: Peter Lagerwey.
Parking restrictions help improve pedestrian and motorist sightlines through an intersection and can include the removal of parking space markings and/or installation of new “parking prohibition” pavement markings, curb paint, or signage. Removing a parking space on the approach into an intersection may help pedestrians to safely cross the street by providing them with a clearer view of oncoming vehicles. Removing a parking space also frees up roadway space for other uses.
Generally, vehicles should not be parked within at least 20 feet of an intersection and parking restrictions should consider adequate sightlines for motorists and pedestrians to be able to see and react to each other. The minimum setback is 20 feet in advance of the crosswalk where speeds are 25 mph or less, and 30 feet where speeds are between 26 and 35 mph.
However, it may also be important to provide physical roadway measures to prevent motorists from parking on the sidewalk or in areas intended for pedestrians to walk. Curb extensions improve sightlines and shorten the distance pedestrians need to cross a roadway.