Traffic Calming: Overview
Traffic calming measures such as lane closures, traffic control devices and pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements can slow down and divert traffic from small neighborhood streets. Implementing these simple traffic calming measures can drastically increase neighborhood safety. There are a wide variety of possible measures, including education, enforcement and engineering.
RATIONALE
Traffic calming measures can be quite simple, but they have the potential to make a large positive impact for pedestrian safety. Basic measures like strategic signage or increased enforcement of pedestrian rights-of-way can vastly increase neighborhood safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.
Increasing safety on neighborhood streets helps create healthier communities. With encouragement to walk, community members will be healthier and more active, and will have a greater sense of community belonging.
EFFORT REQUIRED
Traffic calming measures can be implemented in a wide variety of ways, from city planners going out of their way to make pedestrian-friendly communities to basic measures undertaken in the normal course of city development.
BENEFIT
Traffic calming measures promote many aspects of a healthy community, including livability, reduced traffic, lower speeds, more pedestrian and bicycle access and safer streets. Environmentally, traffic calming supports sustainability in cities by encouraging alternative, non-polluting methods of transportation and promoting tree planting along roadways.
ACTION AGENT(S)
- City planners
- Street authorities
- Community groups
- Neighborhood associations
- Law enforcement officials
COST
Costs vary by measure.
