Effects of design changes on Islandijos street (& lessons learned)
Published on 08 January 2020
Lithuania
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About this good practice
Islandijos street is busy with pedestrians, there are a lot of bars and cafes which attract a lot of people during the day and especially in the evening. The main problem was that this Old town street was dominated by cars and wasn’t friendly for pedestrians or cyclists.
Experimentation with Islandijos street design started a few years ago when the nearby street was closed for reconstruction and there was a need for cycling lane detour. Originally the one-way 6,2 m wide street with car parking on one side.
The first modification was moving parking spaces to the other side of the street and creating a counter-flow cycling lane, which did not change speed or transit numbers.
The next modification removed car parking and widening of the cycle lane which didn't work well, so the third time after long discussions, the axis of the street was curved, car lane was narrowed and speed bumps and stop signs were implemented. Some space from the cars was given to the pedestrians – benches, cycle racks, and pine trees were put on the part of the road between the pavement and the cycle lane, which created a more comfortable space for pedestrians. After this modification car speed was decreased, the street became safer and livelier with people.
These changes also encouraged the new tradition to close the street for traffic once a year. This event also started a movement to completely free Islandijos street from cars and has provoked discussions about the future for the Old Town streets.
Experimentation with Islandijos street design started a few years ago when the nearby street was closed for reconstruction and there was a need for cycling lane detour. Originally the one-way 6,2 m wide street with car parking on one side.
The first modification was moving parking spaces to the other side of the street and creating a counter-flow cycling lane, which did not change speed or transit numbers.
The next modification removed car parking and widening of the cycle lane which didn't work well, so the third time after long discussions, the axis of the street was curved, car lane was narrowed and speed bumps and stop signs were implemented. Some space from the cars was given to the pedestrians – benches, cycle racks, and pine trees were put on the part of the road between the pavement and the cycle lane, which created a more comfortable space for pedestrians. After this modification car speed was decreased, the street became safer and livelier with people.
These changes also encouraged the new tradition to close the street for traffic once a year. This event also started a movement to completely free Islandijos street from cars and has provoked discussions about the future for the Old Town streets.
Resources needed
Human resources for drawing a scheme, organising discussions with the community. Funds for street furniture (benches, bike racks, street greenery), new road markings and traffic signs.
Evidence of success
The change of Islandijos street design was an experiment, but the residents were happy with the result as the street became more livable. Other measurable outputs were decreased traffic speed & more space for pedestrians. After the pine trees were placed on the street, a few businesses placed their own plants outside to complement the greenery. Bicycle racks and benches are heavily used every day, so they were really needed, even though before experiments nobody thought they could be there.
Potential for learning or transfer
Temporary experiments with street design could be a good way to communicate and educate citizens about more sustainable ways of travelling and commuting. An experiment is a good approach when the decision-makers are afraid of public outrage caused by big changes.
If the pavements are narrow (as in Vilnius Old Town) moving street furniture (benches, bike racks, plants in pots etc.) from pavement to the side of the road is a good way of expanding the pedestrian area and making it more comfortable.
An experiment could also be a good way to measure if it is worth changing the current infrastructure without spending a lot of money based just on theoretical results. A key to success could be involving citizens, residents, and business of the street. Three different versions of street design change were presented for a third modification during the meeting with all interested parties. During the meeting, there were intense discussions that led to the agreement to the best re-design.
If the pavements are narrow (as in Vilnius Old Town) moving street furniture (benches, bike racks, plants in pots etc.) from pavement to the side of the road is a good way of expanding the pedestrian area and making it more comfortable.
An experiment could also be a good way to measure if it is worth changing the current infrastructure without spending a lot of money based just on theoretical results. A key to success could be involving citizens, residents, and business of the street. Three different versions of street design change were presented for a third modification during the meeting with all interested parties. During the meeting, there were intense discussions that led to the agreement to the best re-design.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Municipal Enterprise Susisiekimo paslaugos (Transport Services)
Contact
Chief City Engineer