This is a typical head-in parking design found at open air shopping centers. There is a narrow strip of sidewalk, curb & gutter, a paved space, then a wheel stop. The wheel stops are used to separate vehicles from the sidewalk so there is no vehicle overhang. We find two issues with this design: first, if there are no parked vehicles, the wheel stops are a pedestrian tripping hazard and, second, the gap between the wheel stops and curb hold snow and trash. The space can be difficult to clear.
A better design is to extend the sidewalk width to the wheel stops. The wider sidewalk eliminates the wheel stops, it is easier to clear the walkway, and provides a better sidewalk for customers.
Zimmer Consultants photograph