Quote:
Originally Posted by GGG
The worst part of this idea is that if it is implemented it would include all of the other things Bunk mentions, Streetscaping, wide sidewalks, etc. Then it would be a success, not because of the 1/2way issue but because of all the other things that were added. Then it would be used as a blue print to remove one way streets. Instead just narrow up the lanes a little bit and people will drive slower, also add pedestrian islands at intersections to slow dow traffic as well. If traffic speed is the issue, address traffic speed not direction.
I find it interesting that the report Bunk quotes states "Buinesses feel that 2 way is better for business" rather than actaully study whether or not this is the case. I don't really care if someone feels its better. It either is better or isn't. I know I would perfer 10th ave to be 1 way around MEC just to make getting in and out of the parking lot easier.
In a lot of ways eliminating left turns make it easier to get in and out of businesses parking lots. And once you are an experienced one-way street user getting to a place on a 1 way street is quite easy.
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The real issue is speed and comfort of pedestrian. When a road is prioritized for vehicle it often means a lot of space for vehicle and little for pedestrian. With a wide roadway and one way traffic, speed is a factor. Couple that with (usually) crummy narrow sidewalks and retail does very poorly. That's all to say that retail can be successful on one-way streets, but only if vehicle speed is managed (tightened lanes) and pedestrian space is of good enough quality.