The City of Moab installed back-in angled parking on the west side of 100 South on May 6. As part of the pilot project – a first in the City of Moab – the current vehicle-nose-first parking stalls on both the north and south sides of 100 South was re-striped for back-in parking and signs explaining how to use the new parking configuration were installed in those areas.
Back-in angled parking is similar to standard 45-degree parking, but instead of pulling forward into the space, drivers back into the angled stall.
City officials said studies have shown that back-in angled parking is safer, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians.
“At first, the concept may seem counter-intuitive to some people. The reality is that with nose-first parking the driver has to back out into traffic with limited visibility, thus creating a hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists. With back-in angled parking the backing movement occurs first and then leaving the parking stall with a forward-facing direction allows much greater vision by the driver of all types of traffic on the roadway,” said Moab City Engineer Chuck Williams. “The key to success for these new types of systems is for everyone to be patient and cooperative – motorized vehicle drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike.”
Back-in angled parking has multiple safety and operational benefits for all road users, including:
•When leaving the space, drivers have an unobstructed view of traffic and can enter the traffic stream directly. This allows eye contact and verbal or non-verbal communication between exiting drivers and other users
•When vehicle doors are open, occupants are able to enter or exit the vehicle from the sidewalk without obstruction.
•Positions the back of the vehicle to the sidewalk, enabling easier access to the trunk.
City staff and police will be on hand at 100 South on Tuesday, May 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the parking spaces in front of Zax restaurant to demonstrate how to use the new parking configuration and assist residents who would like to test out back-in angled parking.
For more information go to moabcity.org/Parking, call 435-259-5121, or email communication@moabcity.org.