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.