Alley may be paved, or unpaved, and a blind alley is a cul-de-sac. Modern urban developments may also provide a service road to allow for waste collection, or rear access for fire engines and parking. Because of geography, steps (stairs) are the predominant form of alley in hilly cities and towns. This includes Quebec City in Canada and in the United States Pittsburgh (see Steps of Pittsburgh), Cincinnati (see Steps of Cincinnati), Minneapolis, Seattle, and San Francisco as well as Hong Kong, Genoa and Rome. Some alleys are roofed because they are within buildings, such as the traboules of Lyon, or
Clown alley as travel trailer or motor homes are used. The term has also come to mean any professional grouping of clowns, in general, regardless of whether or not they are affiliated with a circus or carnival. In Clowns of America International, "clown alley" is the name given to individual chapters, which function similarly to a union. A Clown Alley Local will co-ordinate social events as well as professional development for members, as well as direct employment opportunities. Clown alley The clown alley in a circus is a backstage area, usually very near the animal pens, where clowns change into their costumes