Reverse Angle Parking
Downtown Enid Test
With the event starting at 6:00 pm, we started to block parking spaces with cones as people pulled out of the spaces, starting around 4:00. As spaces cleared, we used a piece of plastic or cardboard (cut at a 45-degree angle and a tape measure, we laid safety tape (blue & white stripes) to show up brighter than the regular stripes. The parking spaces on that block are a little irregular and very narrow, so we made these 10' wide to allow extra time for those inexperienced or afraid to back in.
Despite the 90% positive results, we are not implementing this type of parking permanently just yet. But we're sure that every time people almost get backed into or almost back into someone else, they might wish upon a star that safer parking might be real some day.
Benefits of Reverse Angle Parking
Improved Driver Visibility
Easier Loading/Unloading
Accessible Parking and Curb Ramps
Traffic Calming
Improved Driver Visibility
- When leaving a parking space, drivers are facing forward, allowing a better view of traffic and cyclists
- Drivers do not have to back into traffic blindly when leaving. This makes departures safer, quicker and easier.
Easier Loading/Unloading
- When vehicle doors are open, they block pedestrian access to the travel lane and guide them back to the sidewalk.
- The vehicle’s trunk is accessed from the sidewalk, making it safer and more convenient to load/unload items.
Accessible Parking and Curb Ramps
- Accessible parking spaces are provided with direct access to the sidewalk.
- Wheelchair users can load/unload from the vehicle’s side or rear, away from the traffic lane.
Traffic Calming
- Onstreet parking visually narrows the roadway lane width, contributing to slower speeds and enhancing driver alertness.