City administrators are planning curb extensions (called bulb-outs) at East King and North Queen Streets as well as other downtown locations. Bulb-outs were recently completed at the intersection of S. Queen and Vine Sts. However, there are numerous reasons why bulb-outs, especially at intersections, may not be a good idea. Some of these are:
When bulb-outs (curb extensions) are placed at intersections on narrow streets, they tend to make left or right turns from one street to the other more difficult and dangerous. If at mid-block locations, they will eliminate some parking spaces. Bulb-outs have other disadvantages, including:
Bulb-outs can cause accidents. Cities are liable for personal injuries and damage to vehicles caused by bulb-outs. “I hate bulb-outs – they do nothing except increase the likelihood of an accident (put a nozzle on a wide hose and you merely increase the pressure)” – comment from a citizen of Atlanta, GA.
Bulb-outs make snow removal and street cleaning more difficult and also more expensive in terms of time and labor. (Tax dollars pay for these services.)
Bulb-outs are expensive to build. Each pair of bulb-outs may cost $7,000 to $10,000, plus the installation of warning signs (quote from the Va. Dept. of Transportation, year 2002 report). In addition, storm drains may need to be re-located or rebuilt, at taxpayer expense.
Bulb-outs are expensive to maintain. Bulb-out curbs are frequently struck by large trucks as well as snow plows and street cleaners. (Take a look at the chipped and cracked bulb-out curbs on College Ave. and at the intersection of N. Prince and W. Chestnut Sts., near the Police Dept. building). Maintenance is paid for with tax dollars.
Bulb-outs pose a clear danger to bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles. “What’s dangerous about bulb-outs is that they make it necessary for a biker to veer towards moving cars at certain points, and the motorist and/or the cyclist may be unprepared for that” – a biker in Atlanta,Ga. “Bulb-outs may make it difficult to accommodate bicycle lanes” – The PA Traffic Calming Handbook.
Bulb-outs constructed in mid-block locations for the purpose of traffic calming result in only a small reduction in speed. “Most curb extensions result in speed reductions of 1-2 mph.” – quote from The PA Traffic Calming Handbook, Pa. Dept. of Transportation.
