Publication Date

2015

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Urban and Regional Planning

First Advisor

Frances Edwards

Keywords

Complete Streets, speed humps, traffic calming

Abstract

California has adopted a Complete Streets policy, which requires local municipalities to design roadways that meet the needs of all users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists). This policy, combined with complaints about motorists speeding in residential areas, has been a catalyst for jurisdictions to install traffic calming measures on residential streets. One popular traffic calming measure used in the City of Redwood City is the installation of speed humps. A speed hump is a raised pavement surface that provides a physical reminder for motorists to slow down while traveling over it. Although literature shows that the installation of speed humps can decrease vehicular speeds on residential roads, the impact speed humps have on adjacent streets has not been fully researched. This project has evaluated the effectiveness of speed humps at reducing vehicular speeds, volumes, and motorist accidents. The term “appropriate area”, as used in this research, is defined as the speed hump installation area which is determined by the City Engineer. The research has addressed impacts on two types of streets: streets with speed humps installed and streets adjacent to their installation. The following research questions have been addressed:

  • If installed in an appropriate residential area, can speed humps reduce vehicular speeds and volumes? How are vehicular volumes on adjacent streets impacted?
  • If installed in an appropriate area, can speed humps reduce the occurrence of motorist collisions? How is the occurrence of motorist collisions impacted on adjacent streets? After the installation, do residents on adjacent streets feel safer in their neighborhood?

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