City of Bloomington to Make E 6th Street Safer with Change to Back-In Angle Parking

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~ Bloomington City Implements Safer Parking Measures on E 6th Street

In an effort to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, the City of Bloomington has announced plans to convert the on-street parking on E 6th Street between Walnut and Washington streets to back-in angle parking. This change comes after a scheduled repaving of the street on November 26 and 27.

The current front-in parking spaces will be restriped into back-in angle parking, resulting in a total of 41 spaces. In addition, two parking spaces will be combined to create one accessible parking space with an aisle on the northwest corner of the block. To assist drivers with this adjustment, a message board will be placed at the beginning of the block before and after the street is repaved and restriped.

According to Ryan Robling, Planning Services Manager of the Planning and Transportation Department, this change aims to provide drivers with a clearer view when leaving a parking spot. "By reversing into a space, drivers can see approaching cars, cyclists, and pedestrians when they pull out, reducing risks of crashes," says Robling.

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Back-in angle parking operates similarly to parallel parking and is expected to be a familiar adjustment for drivers. The process involves signaling a right turn before pulling past the parking spot and reversing into it.

The switch to back-in angle parking brings numerous safety improvements for all road users. For passengers, especially children, this type of parking positions vehicle doors as a barrier, preventing them from stepping directly into the street when exiting. This added layer of safety is particularly beneficial on busy streets.

For bicyclists and scooter riders, back-in angle parking allows for an unobstructed view of drivers preparing to exit a spot, reducing the risk of crashes between vehicles and cyclists or scooters. This increased visibility promotes safer interactions for all on the road.

Drivers also benefit from back-in angle parking as it provides a clearer view of traffic before pulling out of a spot, eliminating the common risk of reversing into oncoming traffic. This setup helps prevent vehicle-on-vehicle crashes.

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In addition to safety benefits, back-in angle parking also offers convenience for loading and unloading. By aligning the trunk or storage area with the sidewalk, people can access their belongings safely without stepping into active traffic lanes.

The decision to switch to back-in angle parking on E 6th Street was prompted by eight backing crashes that have occurred since 2018 due to limited visibility when pulling out from traditional front-in parking spaces. The City hopes that this change will provide a safer solution for all who use this busy corridor.

With the conversion set to take place after the scheduled repaving, drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with back-in angle parking and follow the instructions provided by the message board at the beginning of the block. The City of Bloomington is committed to creating a safer environment for all road users and believes that this change will contribute to achieving that goal.

Filed Under: Government, City

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