Description:

A curb or striped extension into the roadway that narrows the street forming S-shaped travel path. Chicanes involve staggered placement of chokers on both sides of the road, creating a meandering street. Chicanes can increase the amount of public space available on a corridor and can be activated using benches, bicycle parking, landscaping, and other amenities.

Advantages:

•    Potential for reduction in midblock travel speeds by between 3 to 9 mph, according to FHWA.

•    Can discourage cut-through traffic.

•    Provides opportunity for landscaping.

•    Enhances street aesthetic.

Disadvantages:

•    May result in removal of parking.

•    Higher design and construction costs.

•    Implementation must be coordinated with the local fire department as it may impact emergency vehicle response time.

•    Presents a fixed object within travel-way, thus not recommended for foggy environments or where snow may regularly occur.

•    May impact drainage.

Suitable:

•    Wide residential streets.

•    Streets with persistent speeding concerns.