Quote:
Originally Posted by J. Will
As for the bulb-outs, is that really better than running against the curb (I'm only talking for streetcars, not buses)? Bulb outs are where the sidewalk cuts into a parking lane. That means cars have to traverse the streetcar lane to get in and out of the parking lane, which can lead to collisions or cars impeding streetcars in heavy traffic if the driver has to wait for a clearing to get out of the parking lane. The only real benefit to bulb outs is that the lane will be a parking lane 24/7, and cannot be turned into a general traffic lane during peak hours as regular parking lanes usually are.
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The streetcars are only running like every 10 mins (just guessing here, but close), in a shared lane with car traffic. I don't think there is really a problem with parked cars getting in/out of their spaces because of the streetcar, any more than heavy car traffic would cause difficulty. In downtown Portland, at least, there are no parking lanes that are converted into traffic lanes during rush hour. I think the 'bulb outs' work just fine -- I'd rather that than running against the curb since in Portland's case, anyway, the streetcar runs along streets with parking that would have to be wiped out.