The key to safer roads? Narrow the lanes.

Gary Hershorn via Getty Images

 

Connecting state and local government leaders

COMMENTARY | A study late last year found that the approach significantly enhanced safety for all road users. By narrowing lanes, cities can also reallocate that found space to sidewalks and bike lanes.

The current national epidemic of speeding, distracted driving and other risky vehicle behaviors—accompanied by the increase these behaviors cause in automobile, bicycle and pedestrian fatalities—has led many state and local governments to intensify their efforts to implement effective Vision Zero strategies to promote safer mobility. But while Vision Zero traditionally has focused on tactics such as lower speed limits, protected bike lanes and curb extensions, a study late last year by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has provided compelling evidence that a new approach can be added to the toolbox to significantly enhance safety for all road users.

Unlike previous investigations into this approach, the John Hopkins study meticulously analyzed the impact of road lane width on traffic safety. Researchers examined data from various urban and suburban settings, focusing specifically on accident rates, vehicle speeds and overall road safety. Their findings revealed a clear, and perhaps surprising, correlation: Narrower lanes, typically ranging from 10 to 11 feet, lowered vehicle speeds and reduced accident rates when compared to the standard 12-foot lanes found in most U.S. cities.

Researchers attributed this change primarily to driver behavior. When drivers perceive the road to be more constricted, they tend to be more cautious. This heightened awareness leads to slower driving speeds and more attentive driving. In short, the psychological impact of a narrower space creates a sense of constraint that naturally encourages safer driving habits.

This phenomenon was evident throughout the study's findings, where roads with narrower lanes regularly experienced a marked reduction in speed-related accidents. This led researchers to conclude that by reducing lane width, municipalities can effectively calm traffic without the need for extensive traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps or chicanes (artificial narrowings or turns on a road that will slow traffic speed).

Narrower lanes also create more space for other road users, namely pedestrians and cyclists. By reallocating road space from wider vehicle lanes to sidewalks and bike lanes, cities can promote safer, more inclusive transportation networks.

The study noted that roads with narrower lanes and dedicated bike lanes or expanded sidewalks experience fewer accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. In cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, for example, where narrow lanes and comprehensive cycling infrastructure are standard, the rates of pedestrian and cyclist accidents are significantly lower than in cities with wider lanes and less accommodating infrastructure. The example these cities provide clearly indicates that a balanced approach to road design which considers all users leads to safer and more vibrant urban environments.

Researchers concluded that narrower lanes also contribute to environmental sustainability and public health. Reduced vehicle speeds lead to lower emissions since cars operate more efficiently at moderate speeds by avoiding the rapid acceleration and braking associated with higher speeds. Moreover, encouraging cycling and walking by reallocating road space can reduce the overall number of vehicles on the road, further decreasing pollution levels.

From a public health perspective, promoting walking and cycling through safer road design has the added benefit of increasing physical activity among urban populations. Regular physical activity is crucial for combating various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. By making streets safer for these activities, cities can foster healthier communities.

While the John Hopkins study clearly makes the case for narrowing lanes in urban areas, actual implementation requires careful planning and consideration of local conditions. Not all roads are suitable for narrower lanes, particularly those with high volumes of heavy trucks or buses. Many urban streets and residential areas, however, can benefit from this approach. Integrating narrow lanes with other traffic calming measures, such as roundabouts or raised crosswalks, can further enhance safety.

To effectively implement a lane narrowing strategy, municipalities should conduct thorough traffic studies, including data collection and traffic counts, to understand current usage patterns; engage with the community to address concerns and gather support; and ensure that any road changes are clearly communicated and have sufficient signage. 

Successful examples of narrow lane implementation can be seen in cities like New York, where the Vision Zero initiative has reconfigured many streets with narrower lanes, leading to significant reductions in traffic fatalities and injuries. Similarly, the adoption of narrower lanes on certain streets in Toronto has contributed to improved safety outcomes.

In conclusion, the study provides ample evidence supporting the safety benefits of narrower road lanes. By emphasizing the importance of designing roads that encourage safer driving behaviors, narrower lanes not only slow traffic but also create a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment that accommodates pedestrians and cyclists in addition to drivers.

As urban populations continue to grow, and the demand for safer, more efficient transportation networks increases, adopting narrower lanes can be a key strategy for cities of all sizes. By prioritizing safety through thoughtful road design, streets that are safer for everyone can be created, fostering healthier, more vibrant communities.

The narrow lane concept is not just about reducing the width of the road. It is also about expanding our understanding of road safety and embracing a more holistic approach to urban mobility. With the evidence at hand and practical examples demonstrating success, it’s time for more cities and states to consider narrower lanes as a vital component of their road safety strategies.

Wes Guckert, PTP, is president & CEO of The Traffic Group, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), Maryland-based traffic engineering and transportation planning firm. For more info: www.trafficgroup.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

X
This website uses cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Learn More / Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Accept Cookies
X
Cookie Preferences Cookie List

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

When you visit our website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences or your device, and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to and to provide a more personalized web experience. However, you can choose not to allow certain types of cookies, which may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings according to your preference. You cannot opt-out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies as they are deployed in order to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting the cookie banner and remembering your settings, to log into your account, to redirect you when you log out, etc.). For more information about the First and Third Party Cookies used please follow this link.

Allow All Cookies

Manage Consent Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies - Always Active

We do not allow you to opt-out of our certain cookies, as they are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting our cookie banner and remembering your privacy choices) and/or to monitor site performance. These cookies are not used in a way that constitutes a “sale” of your data under the CCPA. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work as intended if you do so. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org to learn more.

Sale of Personal Data, Targeting & Social Media Cookies

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act, you have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information to third parties. These cookies collect information for analytics and to personalize your experience with targeted ads. You may exercise your right to opt out of the sale of personal information by using this toggle switch. If you opt out we will not be able to offer you personalised ads and will not hand over your personal information to any third parties. Additionally, you may contact our legal department for further clarification about your rights as a California consumer by using this Exercise My Rights link

If you have enabled privacy controls on your browser (such as a plugin), we have to take that as a valid request to opt-out. Therefore we would not be able to track your activity through the web. This may affect our ability to personalize ads according to your preferences.

Targeting cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Social media cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools.

If you want to opt out of all of our lead reports and lists, please submit a privacy request at our Do Not Sell page.

Save Settings
Cookie Preferences Cookie List

Cookie List

A cookie is a small piece of data (text file) that a website – when visited by a user – asks your browser to store on your device in order to remember information about you, such as your language preference or login information. Those cookies are set by us and called first-party cookies. We also use third-party cookies – which are cookies from a domain different than the domain of the website you are visiting – for our advertising and marketing efforts. More specifically, we use cookies and other tracking technologies for the following purposes:

Strictly Necessary Cookies

We do not allow you to opt-out of our certain cookies, as they are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting our cookie banner and remembering your privacy choices) and/or to monitor site performance. These cookies are not used in a way that constitutes a “sale” of your data under the CCPA. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work as intended if you do so. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org to learn more.

Functional Cookies

We do not allow you to opt-out of our certain cookies, as they are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting our cookie banner and remembering your privacy choices) and/or to monitor site performance. These cookies are not used in a way that constitutes a “sale” of your data under the CCPA. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work as intended if you do so. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org to learn more.

Performance Cookies

We do not allow you to opt-out of our certain cookies, as they are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting our cookie banner and remembering your privacy choices) and/or to monitor site performance. These cookies are not used in a way that constitutes a “sale” of your data under the CCPA. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work as intended if you do so. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org to learn more.

Sale of Personal Data

We also use cookies to personalize your experience on our websites, including by determining the most relevant content and advertisements to show you, and to monitor site traffic and performance, so that we may improve our websites and your experience. You may opt out of our use of such cookies (and the associated “sale” of your Personal Information) by using this toggle switch. You will still see some advertising, regardless of your selection. Because we do not track you across different devices, browsers and GEMG properties, your selection will take effect only on this browser, this device and this website.

Social Media Cookies

We also use cookies to personalize your experience on our websites, including by determining the most relevant content and advertisements to show you, and to monitor site traffic and performance, so that we may improve our websites and your experience. You may opt out of our use of such cookies (and the associated “sale” of your Personal Information) by using this toggle switch. You will still see some advertising, regardless of your selection. Because we do not track you across different devices, browsers and GEMG properties, your selection will take effect only on this browser, this device and this website.

Targeting Cookies

We also use cookies to personalize your experience on our websites, including by determining the most relevant content and advertisements to show you, and to monitor site traffic and performance, so that we may improve our websites and your experience. You may opt out of our use of such cookies (and the associated “sale” of your Personal Information) by using this toggle switch. You will still see some advertising, regardless of your selection. Because we do not track you across different devices, browsers and GEMG properties, your selection will take effect only on this browser, this device and this website.