Traffic Calming

Traffic calming promises to be an important tool for improving the quality of life in American cities. It slows down or diverts automobiles so that streets are safe and inviting to pedestrians, bicyclists, and children at play. Traffic calming also makes drivers aware that they are sharing street space with other users. Used successfully in Europe, traffic calming is now being considered by many U.S. cities. This report examines the myths of traditional traffic planning and how such planning must change to provide safer streets. It describes basic traffic calming principles and techniques and examines their effects on traffic volume and speed in neighborhoods. This report also shows how to avoid the pitfalls some communities have experienced in integrating traffic calming into their planning programs.