Measurement and evaluation
Curb utilization
Utilisation du curb
Curb utilization is the degree to which a defined curb resource is used for specified activities during a stated period. Unlike a simple vehicle occupancy count, utilization may consider occupied length, time, eligible activity, or people and goods served, so the chosen definition must accompany every reported result.
Understanding the term
Do not compare utilization percentages that use different denominators. A length-weighted measure and a marked-space measure can differ substantially on streets with varied vehicle sizes.
Every reported measure needs a geographic boundary, observation period, unit, and documented calculation method. State how missing data, temporary closures, and sessions crossing the observation boundary are treated. Use distributions or separate user categories where an average hides important differences. Compare consistent definitions across sites and periods, and distinguish an observed association from a demonstrated causal effect. The appropriate indicator follows the policy question rather than whichever field a monitoring system happens to provide.