Have you ever wondered what the area between the sidewalk and the street is called?
It’s often referred to as a road verge, hell strip, tree lawn, or even a parking strip, but what’s the correct term for this section of land? What’s its purpose?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more.
What Is the Area Between the Sidewalk and the Street?
The area between the sidewalk and the street is often called a road verge. It serves as a buffer between vehicular traffic on the street and pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. The area should provide a safe way for pedestrians to cross busy streets.
Road verges are public property, which means they belong to the city or town. Depending on where you live, road verges might contain plants, flower beds, benches, bike racks, or other landscapes.
In some cases, local governments give property owners the right to use verge areas to expand their yards or use them as parking strips.
No matter where you live, it’s worth noting that road verges belong to all of us and should be treated with respect as they’re an important part of the community.
What Are the Benefits of Road Verges?
You might wonder why this area exists. Well, believe it or not, this area has huge significance.
For instance, it aids in catching runoff water from rain or snowmelt. The water then gets filtered into the underground drainage systems. That way, it helps transport the water away from pedestrians and drivers, making the street much safer for everyone.
Also, road verges provide room for benches, bushes, flowers, street signs, lights, bus shelters, and many other public amenities.
Road verges can also benefit the wildlife in cities and towns, as plants and flowers can thrive on them. As such, this greenery attracts bees, birds, and various species that can help restore rare habitats.
The Downside of Road Verges
On the flip side, the right-of-way must be wider in the presence of road verges. This can raise the overall cost of the road.
If a road’s traffic usage warrants it, a broader verge may provide an opportunity for road widening in some regions. As such, footpaths are placed away from the curb.
What Are the Common Names for the Area Between the Sidewalk and the Street?
There’s no standard name for this area. That’s because the name varies depending on where you live.
Besides, some countries allow this area to be used for parking, while in other regions, the road verge is a corridor for vegetation and wildlife.
Let’s see some examples of the names of this area in different states:
- Parking Strip: In California, Utah, Oregon, and Washington
- Boulevard: In the United States Upper Midwest, like Michigan and Minnesota
- Curb Strip: In New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Ohio
Final Thoughts
The area between the sidewalk and street can go by several names depending on the context and where you live. This space can be referred to as a road verge, terrace, parkway, boulevard, curb strip, right-of-way, and many other names.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and over 10 years of experience working in IT. As a homeowner, I love working on projects around the house, and as a father, I love investigating various ways to keep my family safe (whether or not this involves tech). I’ve also played guitar for almost 20 years and love writing music, although it’s hard to find the time these days.