Editing Curb extension (section)

{{More citations needed|date=December 2019}}
{{short description|Traffic calming measure}}
[[Image:Traffic calming.jpg|thumb|right|A curb extension marked by darkened [[Asphalt concrete|tarmac]] and black posts]]

A '''curb extension''' (or also '''neckdown''', '''kerb extension''', '''bulb-out''', '''bump-out''', '''kerb build-out''', '''nib''', '''elephant ear''', '''curb bulge''', '''curb bulb''', or '''blister''')  is a [[traffic calming]] measure which widens the [[sidewalk]] for a short distance. This reduces the crossing distance and allows pedestrians and drivers to see each other when parked vehicles would otherwise block visibility. The practice of banning car parking near intersections (with or without a curb extension) is referred to as '''[[intersection daylighting|daylighting]]''' the intersection.

A [[Curb (road)|curb]] extension is formed by an angled narrowing of the roadway and a widening of the sidewalk. This is often accompanied by an area of enhanced restrictions (such as a "no stopping" or "no [[parking]]" zone) and the appropriate visual reinforcement. This is achieved using [[paint]]ed road markings (e.g. lines, coloured areas, or [[Chevron (insignia)|chevron]]s), barriers, [[bollard]]s, or the addition of pavement or [[street furniture]] (e.g. planters, [[street light]]s, or [[Bench (furniture)|benches]]).

Curb extensions are often used in combination with other traffic calming measures such as [[chicane]]s, [[speed bump]]s, or [[rumble strip]]s, and are frequently sited to protect formal [[pedestrian crossing]]s. In these cases the "squeeze" effect of the narrowed roadway shortens the exposed distance [[pedestrian]]s must walk.