City of Bloomington to Make E 6th Street Safer with Change to Back-In Angle Parking

To improve visibility and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, the City of Bloomington is converting the on-street parking on E 6th Street between Walnut and Washington streets to back-in angle parking.

Following a scheduled repaving on November 26 and 27, all 41 existing front-in parking spaces will be restriped into back-in angle parking. This adjustment will also combine two parking spaces to include one accessible parking space with an aisle on the northwest corner of the block. A message board will be placed at the beginning of the block before and after the street is repaved and restriped to guide drivers and indicate where the back-in angle parking begins.

“This change is all about giving drivers a clear view when leaving a parking spot, removing the need to back blindly into oncoming traffic,” says Ryan Robling, Planning Services Manager of the Planning and Transportation Department. “By reversing into a space, drivers can see approaching cars, cyclists, and pedestrians when they pull out, reducing risks of crashes.”

Back-in angle parking works much like parallel parking, making it a familiar adjustment for drivers:

1. Signal a right turn to let others know you will be parking

2. Pull past the parking spot and stop

3. Reverse into the parking spot

There are numerous safety improvements that come with back-in angle parking, and the aim is to create a safer environment for everyone.

For passengers, especially children, back-in parking positions the vehicle doors as a barrier, helping prevent children from stepping directly into the street when exiting. This configuration provides an extra layer of safety on busier streets.

For bicyclists and scooter riders, back-in parking allows for an unobstructed view of drivers preparing to exit a parking space, minimizing the risk of vehicle-on-bicyclist or vehicle-on-scooter crashes. This enhanced visibility supports safer interactions for all on the road.

For drivers, back-in parking provides a clearer view of traffic before pulling out of the parking spot, eliminating the common risk of reversing into oncoming traffic. This setup helps prevent vehicle-on-vehicle crashes.

Additionally, back-in parking makes loading and unloading more convenient. By aligning the trunk or storage area with the sidewalk, people can access their belongings safely without stepping into active traffic lanes.

Since 2018, this block of E 6th Street has seen eight backing crashes due to limited visibility when pulling out from traditional front-in parking spaces. The switch to back-in angle parking addresses this issue, providing a safer solution for all who use this busy corridor.