Chokers
Chokers are curb extensions at mid-block locations that narrow a street by widening the sidewalk or planting strip. If marked as crosswalks, they are also known as safe crosses. Two-lane chokers leave the street cross section with two lanes that are narrower than the normal cross section. One-lane chokers narrow the width to allow travel in only one direction at a time, operating similarly to one-lane bridges.
Application:
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Areas with substantial speed problems and no on-street
parking shortage.
Advantages:
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Easily negotiable by large vehicles (such as fire trucks).
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Can have positive aesthetic value.
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May reduce both speeds and volumes.
Disadvantages:
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Speed reduction effect is somewhat limited because vehicles do not have to alter their path.
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May require bicyclists to briefly merge with vehicular traffic.
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May require the elimination of some on-street parking.
Cost Estimate:
$7,000 – $10,000