Curb Space Management Study
With a general rise in vehicle ownership, disruptive technologies like Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and dockless electric scooters, as well as e-commerce demands, curb space has become one of the most contested spaces in a city. Cities have been struggling with issues related to on- and off-street parking, congestion, and first-last mile connections, among others. Increased reliance on delivery services and the shifting of commercial activities to the sidewalk during COVID-19 have further highlighted the need to better manage curb uses.
SCAG has launched a Curb Space Management Study (CSMS) to take a comprehensive and multimodal review of some of the most congested and complicated curb space locations within the region. A clear need exists to assess policies, strategies, and infrastructure investments and their impacts on curb space activity, especially with the recent COVID-19 impacts, all being critical to the region and its localities. Benefits from this are looking to improve mobility, reduced congestion and vehicle miles traveled/vehicle hours traveled, and air quality improvements such as greenhouse gas emissions.
The study is a regional level collaborative effort divided into three parts:
- Engagement: Outreach, participation and engagement with local jurisdictions, other agencies, education institutes, private stakeholders, community-based organizations, and communities.
- Assessment: Understanding the needs of the region through multiple cities in terms of curb space.
- Policy & Strategies Consideration: Provide regional resources to support member agency curb space management interests/needs and insights on strategies related to curb space management.
CSMS Core Objectives
- To provide various strategies and recommendations for multiple cities within the SCAG region, and
- To similarly develop a work plan for multiple pilot project concepts and/or analysis plans for pilot projects currently underway.
CSMS Goals and Objectives For Consideration
- Reduce VMT/VHT and GHG emissions. There are multiple opportunities to reduce VMT/VHT and GHG emissions at the first- and last-mile level.
- Reduce congestion. By taking a comprehensive and multimodal approach within complicated curb space areas, the study will consider optimal strategies managing demand and reducing congestion.
- Promote a balanced transportation system by better understanding first- and last-mile relationships between TNCs and existing transit and active transportation systems.
- Establish key collaboration and partnerships with public agency and private sector stakeholders.
- Improve quality of life.
Study Updates and Resources
CONTACT
Scott Strelecki, Project Manager II
strelecki@scag.ca.gov
Prithvi Deore, Assistant Regional Planner
deore@scag.ca.gov