Curb extension

A curb extension (or also neckdown, kerb extension, bulb-out, bump-out, kerb build-out, nib, elephant ear, curb bulge, curb bulb, or blister) is a <a href="/facts/Traffic_calming/xhXmPxI7">traffic calming</a> measure which widens the <a href="/facts/Sidewalk/hHLtEJol">sidewalk</a> for a short distance. This reduces the crossing distance and allows pedestrians and drivers to see each other when parked vehicles would otherwise block visibility. The practice of banning car parking near intersections (with or without a curb extension) is referred to as <a href="/facts/Intersection_daylighting/I3KLFkd5">daylighting</a> the intersection.
A <a href="/facts/Curb_(road)/JIakuT4t">curb</a> extension is formed by an angled narrowing of the roadway and a widening of the sidewalk. This is often accompanied by an area of enhanced restrictions (such as a "no stopping" or "no <a href="/facts/Parking/rw7QVHLv">parking</a>" zone) and the appropriate visual reinforcement. This is achieved using <a href="/facts/Paint/Q176AsIG">painted</a> road markings (e.g. lines, coloured areas, or <a href="/facts/Chevron_(insignia)/gl7MaJsS">chevrons</a>), barriers, <a href="/facts/Bollard/rRrGv6hh">bollards</a>, or the addition of pavement or <a href="/facts/Street_furniture/IMefrpBY">street furniture</a> (e.g. planters, <a href="/facts/Street_light/Uuw2oH1y">street lights</a>, or <a href="/facts/Bench_(furniture)/ffh8ujzb">benches</a>).
Curb extensions are often used in combination with other traffic calming measures such as <a href="/facts/Chicane/o2gLC3Ec">chicanes</a>, <a href="/facts/Speed_bump/mDY4l4L3">speed bumps</a>, or <a href="/facts/Rumble_strip/WlPC66RR">rumble strips</a>, and are frequently sited to protect formal <a href="/facts/Pedestrian_crossing/PHEJkAgH">pedestrian crossings</a>. In these cases the "squeeze" effect of the narrowed roadway shortens the exposed distance <a href="/facts/Pedestrian/Vc8a4xer">pedestrians</a> must walk.

Curb extension open-in-new

Curb extension