Slower Speeds for Safer Streets ($250,000)

Committee: Transportation, Streets, and Sidewalks

Cost: $250,000

Location: Side streets running perpendicular to main roads.

Short Description: Install 48 speed humps on key streets in Cambridge to reduce vehicle speeds. Speed humps enhance pedestrian safety and create safer, more livable neighborhoods. This project aims to address speeding issues and improve overall road safety.

Long Description: 

This proposal aims to install speed humps on various side streets in Cambridge to address the problem of speeding and improve road safety for all users. Speed humps are traffic calming devices designed to reduce vehicle speeds. They have a wider base and are less steep than speed bumps, which makes them effective at slowing down traffic without causing significant discomfort to drivers.

The primary goal of this project is to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Speed humps have been proven to be an effective measure in many cities, including Boston, for reducing speeding and enhancing pedestrian safety. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

The installation of speed humps will involve community consultation via the Traffic Calming request page to identify the most critical areas needing traffic calming. This participatory approach ensures that the project addresses the specific needs and concerns of Cambridge residents. Additionally, the project will include clear warning signs using posts and anchors, and pavement markings to alert drivers to the presence of speed humps, further enhancing their effectiveness.

Overall, this proposal seeks to foster a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment in Cambridge, contributing to the city’s broader goals of sustainability and community well-being. By reducing vehicle speeds, we aim to create a more pleasant and secure atmosphere for all road users, ultimately improving the quality of life in Cambridge.

An example of a speed hump on a residential street.