> Another major issue is that suburban streets are simply too wide, many neighborhoods give more than the 12-foot standard width to a lane (itself a specification that is way too generous),
While I 100% agree with this, the other side is that often these streets have parking for the houses that is more utilized at night than during the day. So, while children are out in the summer, say, the streets are ~24' wide, but in the evening, with cars parked, become only 8'- 10'.
Firstly, parking lanes need to be marked - it's as simple as painting a line on the ground. Simply marking parking lanes will prevent the vast majority of drivers from attempting to drive in it.
Which goes back to the original point - you don't need to physically alter the street to modify driver behavior. People stay within the lines they've been assigned, but most suburban streets have an informal layout where parking and movement are mixed.
Secondly, curb extensions at intersections. This is where sidewalks jut "into" the street and are tremendously beneficial. It makes the the parking lanes useless for movement because you have to merge into the movement lanes at the intersection anyways. The narrowing of the street also has a proven awareness-increasing and speed-reducing effect. Even more, it shortens the distance for pedestrians to cross and dramatically reduces car-pedestrian collision rates - and also places people crossing the streets closer to the center of driver vision rather than peripherally.
While I 100% agree with this, the other side is that often these streets have parking for the houses that is more utilized at night than during the day. So, while children are out in the summer, say, the streets are ~24' wide, but in the evening, with cars parked, become only 8'- 10'.