Discover the Latest FHWA Curbside Inventory Report

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Housekeeping Tips
3. Overview of Curbside Management
4. Importance of Data-Driven Practices
5. Innovations in Curbside Management
6. Curbside Management and Multimodal Systems
7. Comprehensive Planning for Curbside Management
8. Designing for Accessibility at the Curb
9. Dynamic Curbside Strategies
10. Best Practices and Notable Examples
11. Curbside Management Tools and Resources
12. Next Steps and Future Research

Article

Introduction

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on curbside management, where we will Delve into the various aspects of this rapidly evolving practice. From optimizing mobility and safety to incorporating new modes of transportation and innovative strategies, curbside management plays a vital role in ensuring efficient and effective use of curb space. In this article, we will explore the key elements of curbside management, including the importance of data-driven practices, the impact of new mobility trends, and the significance of comprehensive planning. We will also discuss design considerations for accessibility, dynamic curbside strategies, best practices and notable examples, as well as available tools and resources. Let's get started!

Housekeeping Tips

Before we dive into the details of curbside management, let's Take Care of some housekeeping tips to ensure a smooth and productive experience. First, please make sure You have access to the presentation slides, which are available in the chat Pod. Additionally, take AdVantage of the links provided for further reading, including the FHWA Curbside Report and the ITE Curbside Resources. These resources will provide you with valuable insights and additional information on curbside management. Finally, remember that participant microphones are turned off, so we encourage you to use the chat pod to ask questions and engage in discussions throughout the webinar. Now that we have covered the housekeeping tips, let's begin our Journey into the world of curbside management.

Overview of Curbside Management

Curbside management is a crucial component of transportation planning and operations, particularly in urban areas with high demand for curb space. The practice involves optimizing the use of curb space to accommodate various transportation modes, including vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and new mobility options such as scooters and electric bikes. With the increasing diversification of transportation providers and the introduction of new modes, local agencies have been challenged to regulate and manage curb space effectively. This webinar will explore the innovative strategies and technologies that agencies have implemented to inventory and manage curb space. By understanding the process and data required for curbside management, transportation practitioners and communities of all sizes can make informed decisions and improve project planning at the local level.

Importance of Data-Driven Practices

Curbside management relies heavily on data-driven practices to ensure effective allocation and regulation of curb space. Local agencies must Collect and analyze data on the different uses of the curb, including parking, loading zones, transit stops, and bicycle facilities. This data helps identify Patterns and trends, allowing agencies to make informed decisions on how to best optimize curb space. By adopting data-driven practices, agencies can prioritize curbside treatments and projects that improve the operation of shared transportation systems, including transit, freight, pedestrian, and bicycle networks. Data-driven decision-making also enables better project planning at the local level and facilitates coordination with metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and adjacent jurisdictions to inform regional and statewide transportation plans.

Innovations in Curbside Management

Curbside management is constantly evolving in response to new innovations in transportation. The introduction of last-mile freight delivery, autonomous vehicles, and transportation network companies has added complexity to curb space management. Agencies must adapt to the increasing demand for curb access by these new modes of transportation while ensuring safe and efficient operations. Additionally, the rise of protected bike lanes and the growing number of bicyclists using the curb require careful Attention to design and management to maintain safety and convenience. Curbside management approaches have also been used in urban placemaking initiatives, such as food trucks, parklets, and farmers markets, to Create vibrant street retail activity. This webinar will explore these innovative approaches and highlight data-driven practices from different areas around the country.

Curbside Management and Multimodal Systems

Curbside management plays a crucial role in advancing multimodal innovation and accommodating new mobility options within the transportation system. By prioritizing the needs of transit, freight, pedestrian, and bicycle networks, local agencies can create a more connected and efficient multimodal system. Data-driven practices inform decision-making at the local level, driving better project planning and enabling informed discussions with MPOs and adjacent jurisdictions. Collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation of curbside management strategies. By considering the diverse needs of different users, such as commuters, local businesses, and emerging transportation modes like micro-mobility and electric vehicles, agencies can foster equitable transportation outcomes and maximize access and person throughput in retail, cultural, and tourism districts.

Comprehensive Planning for Curbside Management

To effectively manage curb space, agencies must incorporate curbside management into comprehensive planning efforts. This requires considering a range of factors, including land use, transportation infrastructure, and travel demand for all modes. Comprehensive planning ensures that curbside management aligns with broader transportation goals and addresses Current and future needs. Agencies should collect and analyze data on curbside uses and demand, as well as engage various stakeholders, including community members, local businesses, and transportation providers. By understanding the specific conditions and challenges faced by each community, agencies can develop tailored curbside management plans that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility. This webinar will highlight best practices and notable examples of comprehensive planning processes that have successfully integrated curbside management into local and regional transportation strategies.

Designing for Accessibility at the Curb

An essential aspect of curbside management is ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. As transportation agencies and communities strive for more equitable transportation outcomes, it is crucial to consider the needs of individuals with mobility challenges. Designing curb ramps, crosswalks, and other infrastructure elements to meet ADA accessibility standards is vital for creating an inclusive transportation system. Agencies should conduct walk audits to assess the accessibility of existing curb ramps and identify areas for improvement. By integrating accessibility considerations into curbside management plans, agencies can enhance the safety and convenience of all users, regardless of their mode of transportation.

Dynamic Curbside Strategies

To optimize curbside management, agencies are increasingly adopting dynamic strategies that adapt to changing demand throughout the day. Dynamic curbs allow for the reallocation of curb space Based on different time periods and specific use requirements. For example, during peak hours, a curb may be designated as a loading zone or a transit stop, while outside of peak hours, it can be utilized for general parking. This dynamic approach ensures efficient use of curb space and maximizes its capacity. However, it requires careful coordination and enforcement to ensure compliance and efficient operations. This webinar will explore different dynamic curbside strategies and highlight real-world examples of their implementation.

Best Practices and Notable Examples

Curbside management best practices and notable examples serve as a valuable source of inspiration and guidance for agencies looking to improve their curbside operations. Throughout the country, various transportation agencies have implemented innovative solutions to address curbside challenges and enhance the overall transportation system. This webinar will showcase these best practices, ranging from the allocation of transit lanes and bike facilities to the optimization of freight pickup and delivery zones. By highlighting successful strategies and lessons learned, agencies can gain valuable insights into effective curbside management techniques applicable to their specific Context and challenges.

Curbside Management Tools and Resources

In today's data-driven world, numerous tools and resources are available to support effective curbside management. From geographic information systems (GIS) tools to digital data collection platforms, these resources help agencies inventory existing curb conditions, analyze data, and make informed decisions about allocation and regulation. This webinar will provide an overview of some of these tools and resources, including the Curbside Management Tool developed by ITE and FHWA. Additionally, we will discuss available guides, reports, and databases that offer valuable insights and guidance for curbside management practitioners.

Next Steps and Future Research

As curbside management continues to evolve, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in the field. Transportation agencies and practitioners should actively pursue opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and ongoing research. Continued research and data collection will help refine curbside management strategies and ensure their effectiveness in addressing emerging challenges and technologies. Agencies are encouraged to identify research gaps, participate in industry forums and working groups, and contribute to the development of best practices and standards. By fostering a collaborative and innovative approach, we can collectively advance curbside management and create more sustainable, equitable, and efficient transportation systems for the future.

Highlights

• Curbside management plays a crucial role in optimizing the use of curb space for various transportation modes, including vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and new mobility options.
• Data-driven practices are essential for effective curbside management, allowing agencies to allocate and regulate curb space based on patterns and trends.
• Innovations in curbside management include addressing new mobility trends, such as last-mile freight delivery, autonomous vehicles, and transportation network companies.
• Comprehensive planning is crucial for integrating curbside management into broader transportation strategies, considering factors like land use, infrastructure, and travel demand.
• Designing for accessibility at the curb is essential to ensure inclusivity and accommodate individuals with disabilities.
• Dynamic curbside strategies, such as real-time allocation of curb space, can optimize efficiency and adapt to changing demand throughout the day.
• Highlighting best practices and notable examples provides valuable insights and inspiration for improving curbside management operations.
• Curbside management tools and resources, such as GIS-based tools and data collection platforms, support inventorying, analysis, and decision-making processes.
• Ongoing research and collaboration are vital for advancing curbside management practices and addressing emerging challenges and technologies in the transportation industry.

FAQ

Q: What is curbside management? A: Curbside management refers to the practice of optimizing the use of curb space for various transportation modes, including vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and new mobility options.

Q: Why is data-driven decision-making important in curbside management? A: Data-driven decision-making enables agencies to allocate and regulate curb space effectively by analyzing patterns and trends in curb use, thus ensuring optimal use of the available space.

Q: How does curbside management impact accessibility for people with disabilities? A: Curbside management must consider accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities. Designing infrastructure elements, such as curb ramps and crosswalks, according to ADA accessibility standards ensures inclusive and safe curb access.

Q: What are dynamic curbside strategies? A: Dynamic curbside strategies involve the reallocation of curb space based on changing demand throughout the day. This allows agencies to optimize curb space by designating it for different uses, such as loading zones or transit stops, depending on the time of day.

Q: Are there tools available for managing curbside operations? A: Yes, there are various tools and resources available, such as GIS-based tools and data collection platforms, that support inventorying, analysis, and decision-making processes in curbside management.

Q: How can agencies stay updated on the latest curbside management research and advancements? A: Agencies can stay updated by participating in industry forums, attending conferences and webinars, and actively engaging in research initiatives. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are key to advancing curbside management practices.