Streetfilms: Introducing the Pedestrian Peek-a-Boo

by Brad Aaron on January 12, 2009

This excellent Streetfilm from Robin Urban Smith and Clarence Eckerson is another in a series of vids on cheap and effective streetscape alterations that improve safety for all users. Writes Robin: 

Daylighting is a simple pedestrian safety measure achieved by removing parking spaces adjacent to curbs around an intersection, increasing visibility for pedestrians and drivers and minimizing conflicts. It's beneficial to young and old, but is especially helpful to children, who often cannot see, or be seen by, oncoming traffic. By removing parking adjacent to the crosswalk, the child does not have to wade into the street to see vehicles entering the intersection. At the same time, drivers don't have to roll into the crosswalk to see if pedestrians are waiting to cross.

As you'll see, daylighting is popular with pedestrians across the city (along with at least one driver). And DOT is on the case, replacing parking at some intersections with curbing, which can then support greenery, extra sidewalk space, or bike racks. Of course, there are thousands of streets that could use the same treatment.

Finally, the Streetfilms crew thinks the term "daylighting" is "a little stale," and asks viewers to come up with their own terms. Clarence suggests "Pedestrian Peek-a-Boo." If you can top that one, have at it.