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(graphic from Downtown Streets: Are We Strangling Ourselves on One-Way Networks, by Walker, Kulash, and McHugh. Accessed via National Association of City Transportation Officials website here.)
Much of the data and research suggests significant benefits from changing to two-ways. A memo put together by the City of Dallas, TX aggregates numerous studies and highlights their findings on two-way conversions:
“The results were stunning. Two-way conversion improves the livability of a neighborhood by significantly reducing crime and collisions and by increasing property values, business revenue, taxes, and bike and pedestrian traffic."
“The economic analysis determined that a short-term benefit in sales of approximately 10% to 13% for downtown retailers could be expected from the conversion.”
“There are simply more (typically 30-40 percent) more vehicle/pedestrian conflicts within a one-way street network than in a comparable two-way system."
This is not to say that one-ways=bad and two-ways=good. Traffic calming measures like speed tables and chicanes can help to slow one-ways and reduce their drawbacks. But in the context of our downtown, where we want thriving business and lots of safe pedestrian activity, the better street design option is two-way streets—moving people "to a space" rather than "through a space."
What about the Elephant in the Room?!
Looking to strike up a heated conversation? You could casually mention seeing a funny GIF online, but pronouncing it like the peanut butter, JIF. You're almost guaranteed to receive an explanation on what GIF stands for.
Alternatively, you could ask a Billings resident how they feel about back-in-parking downtown. "Oh, you mean front-out-parking?"
Yes, this project also comes with parking striping to accommodate back-in parking. The staff memo indicates this is intended to provide consistency with what is currently installed on recently converted two-ways, and with MDT's plans for requirements on Montana Avenue.
Beyond consistency, back-in-parking is claimed to be safer than back out parking. Logically this makes sense. And many local governments around the country make the claim on their websites. But I'm unable to find any actual research to suggest that claim holds water. In the meantime, a Billings Public Works video featuring city staff dramatizing the difficulty of back-out parking will have to suffice.
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