TRAFFIC CALMING: CREATIVELY MITIGATING TRAFFIC SPEEDS AND VOLUME

Traffic calming incorporates both physical and visual features to mitigate inappropriate motor vehicle speeds and/or volume and create a safer environment for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. Although some form of traffic calming in the U.S. dates back to the 1950s, it is still considered a relatively new and unique approach to managing the roadway environment. This article presents an overview of traffic calming, including a brief history and the policy shifts since 1991 which have led to its current popularity. The author summarizes traffic calming measures, including volume control measures: passive speed control measures; and active speed control measures such as vertical deflection, horizontal deflection, and constriction. Traffic calming results, community involvement in the planning stage, consensus building, emergency vehicle access, maintenance concerns, flexible design standards and historic preservation are also addressed in this overview.