ABQ Times

With the upcoming construction of the Center for Collaborative Arts & Technology (CCAT) building, Parking & Transportation Services (PATS) has introduced a new parking solution on Campus Boulevard. The current parallel parking spaces have been converted to reverse back-in angled parking.

This change aims to enhance safety by improving visibility and vehicle loading. "Motorists do not have to back into traffic with limited visibility," according to PATS. Drivers will now face forward when leaving a parking space, providing a better view of oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Passenger safety is also expected to improve as passengers can exit vehicles towards the sidewalk rather than the road. Additionally, drivers will have a clearer view of cyclists in the roadway.

The adjustment also facilitates improved vehicle loading. Cargo spaces are now adjacent to the sidewalk, allowing for loading and unloading at the curb instead of the roadway.

This parking style is not unique to this area; it has been implemented in cities such as Austin, St. Louis, Columbia, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Albuquerque. The number of parking spots along Campus Boulevard has increased significantly from 37 parallel spaces to 109 angled spaces.

For those adjusting to this new system, PATS suggests signaling for turns, stopping just past the parking space, and backing into the space using side mirrors for guidance. They advise allowing extra room for drivers and avoiding tailgating while adapting to this change. A video with instructions on reverse parking is available on YouTube through the City of Albuquerque.