Put Parking in its' Place

Background

After the TIGER Grant application was approved, and the 17 member committee began working, I started this blog to advocate for a bike friendly Main Street. Safe bicycle transportation is an asset to the city and an essential part of a Complete Streets design. To persuade the powers that be that bicycle infrastructure is good for business, has been a tough sell. The Concord Main Street Project design is moving toward funding, approval, and construction.

If you've been following along you know how things have turned out: I've become disenchanted with the plan not fulfilling the mandates of a Complete Streets design. The design does not provide safe bicycle transportation on Main Street and should not be TIGER Grant funded.

As a frequent cyclist, I know the value and freedom biking has provided me as a transportation choice. I'm also keenly aware my attachment to bicycle transportation is uncommon. Those of you who ride, know the trials, tribulations and beauty of the ride to work or errands - we will continue to ride. For the rest of you, if you give it a go, you'll see how it can change you both physically, and in how you experience your neighborhood and community.

Streets

Complete Streets is really about providing people safe transportation choices. In the latest designs, bicycling on Main Street is not a safe choice. Front in angle parking at the curb, is the worst case for cyclists and prevents all but a select few to ride on Main Street.

If we consider transportation choices by their respective size, and place them on the street as such then: Pedestrians go on the sidewalks, bikes are a bit bigger and go on the street next to the sidewalk and then automobile traffic goes next. It's a natural progression which allows for safe passage of all.

In Concord, NH this concept was suggested, but was short-lived in discussions by the Transportation Policy Advisory Committee (TPAC) with the greatest fear being that people would jay-walk! The 17 member committee also discussed the concept briefly.

Center Parking Demonstrated

In Lancaster, CA,  such center island parking has been demonstrated
(Streetview  of W. Lancaster Boulevard near library and Chamber of Commerce).

• W. Lancaster Boulevard
• Walkable Streets at Better Cities posted two articles - Lancaster Boulevard transformation brings people downtown     
• From the Architects
• Affordable Artist Housing - HUD Best Practices 

  .

W. Lancaster Blvd

Perhaps jay-walking should be avoided, but should this possibility cause us to throw out a potential solution before it is fully explored? If we put parking in the middle of the street, cyclists of all stripes, even kids, could cycle safely next to the sidewalk. Parking for bicycles would naturally be accessible at the curb. 

Game Changer

Center parking could propel Concord into the 21st century as a model for Complete Streets. Consider the thousands of miles of limited access freeways already providing unfettered automotive travel, free of pedestrians and bicycles. 

Couldn't our central core be a place where all users have equal, and safe access to the street? This is what the Complete Streets model is all about - giving people safe choices. It's about increasing livability.

Parking kiosks could be located at center islands near crosswalks, encouraging drivers to pay and then cross legally. The parking could also be managed without placing the receipt back at the car, further encouraging legal crossings.

Will you ask for these concepts to be explored further?

Further readings

ConcordPatch



Alternatives for Complete Street (dimensions are for demonstration of concept with adjustments likely)