Susan Shaheen, professor of civil infrastructure and climate and transportation engineering, recently co-authored a paper exploring how innovative mobility and shifts in travel and consumer behavior change how people access and use the curb. Their research examines curb planning and management from several angles, such as safety, social equity, and multimodal connections. The researchers employ a multi-method approach to identify the changing needs for curb space management within the public, private, and non-profit sectors and how to meet these needs through new planning and implementation policies and strategies.
Study findings suggest that changes in mode choice and curbside use can significantly impact access, equity, congestion, device management, pick-up & drop-off, and goods delivery, among others. As these evolving developments continue to affect the curb, these research findings are essential in helping policymakers develop an appropriate framework for planning and managing curb space in urban areas.