Key Traffic Calming Measures

Traffic-calming measures are essential for making roads safer and more comfortable for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. These measures help regulate vehicle speeds, enhance road safety, and improve urban areas’ overall quality of life. 

Let’s explore some of the most effective traffic-calming methods and how they can be used to create safer streets.

What Are Traffic Calming Measures?

Traffic calming measures are techniques designed to slow down traffic and create a balance between different types of road users. The goal is to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers can coexist safely, with no one mode of transport dominating the others.

Purposes of Traffic Calming

Traffic calming measures aim to achieve a few critical goals:

Reducing Vehicle Speeds

The primary purpose of traffic calming is to slow down vehicles. Lower speeds reduce the chances of accidents, making streets safer for everyone.

Balancing Different Modes of Transportation

When traffic calming measures are in place, they help balance cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Slower vehicle speeds allow everyone to share the road more safely and comfortably.

Lowering Fuel Consumption

Slower speeds, combined with an increase in walking and cycling, can lead to significant fuel savings. Less aggressive driving means less fuel burned and more efficient trips.

Reducing Noise and Improving Air Quality

When cars move slower, they make less noise. Additionally, less idling and smoother traffic flow mean better air quality, which benefits everyone in the area.

Enhancing Safety

Implementing traffic calming measures leads to fewer crashes and accidents. Safer roads mean fewer injuries and fatalities, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.

Methods of Traffic Calming

Several methods are used to calm traffic, depending on the space and specific needs of the area.

Traffic Calming with Rumble Strips

Rumble strips are grooves cut into the pavement to create vibrations and noise when cars pass over them. This alerts drivers to slow down, especially when approaching dangerous areas like sharp curves or intersections.

Traffic Calming with Speed Cushions and Humps

Speed humps and cushions are designed to slow down vehicles. Speed humps are raised sections of the road, while speed cushions have gaps that allow larger vehicles, like buses, to pass without slowing down as much. These are especially useful near schools, residential areas, and busy intersections.

Traffic Calming with Chicane Crossings

Chicane crossings use curb extensions or islands to create an S-shaped path for vehicles. This forces drivers to slow down as they navigate the twists and turns. These are commonly found on urban streets and are an effective way to manage traffic speed.

Traffic Calming with Speed Tables

Speed tables are like longer speed humps with a flat top. They are often used at intersections or mid-block crossings, where they can double as raised pedestrian crossings. These help slow vehicles at crucial points, improving safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Traffic Calming with Gateway Entries

A gateway entry signals drivers that they are entering a slower-speed zone, like a residential area, school zone, or hospital zone. These areas often feature speed humps, signage, curb extensions, and raised crossings to reinforce the need for reduced speed.

Traffic Calming with Mid-Block Crossings and Refuge Islands

Mid-block crossings allow pedestrians to cross safely between intersections, often in areas with high foot traffic. A central refuge island gives pedestrians a safe space halfway across the road, reducing the risk of accidents and making it easier to cross wide streets.

Traffic Calming in Specific Zones

Traffic calming measures can be significant in certain areas, like school zones, hospital zones, and high streets.

School Zones

In school zones, traffic calming is crucial for protecting children. Signs, road markings, high-visibility crosswalks, and speed humps are commonly used to slow traffic and improve safety.

Hospital Zones

Reducing vehicle speeds in hospital zones minimizes noise and ensures safe access for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Speed limits, feedback signs, and warning signals help calm traffic in these areas.

High Streets

High streets, or busy commercial areas, often see heavy traffic and large numbers of pedestrians. Roundabouts, street trees, and other measures can help regulate traffic and improve safety for people on foot.

Why Traffic Calming Measures Matter

Traffic calming measures make streets safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Experts like Phil Myrick, a top placemaking consultant, stress the value of creating pedestrian-friendly spaces. The right solutions can reduce accidents and improve life in busy areas. Do you have questions? Contact us anytime!