Traffic Calming for the People and by the People

Traffic calming solutions are often either loved or hated by local communities because they impact the many aspects of people’s lives as they go to and fro throughout the day. So when traffic calming does not work—or it interferes with how drivers make their commutes—taxpayers will strongly voice their complaints. This is particularly true after speed humps are installed. In this way, municipalities and law enforcement agencies find themselves in a very reactive position and forced to fix a new problems associated with the new “solution.”  

This is why a recent story in the Charlottesville Tomorrow newspaper is so interesting. Here residents have been invited to participate in the selection of the traffic-calming solution for their community that will make it safer for pedestrians.

City planners held a workshop to get input from the people who use Locust Avenue the most. They are discussing short-term and long-term solutions from new asphalt paint to chicanes.

But the goal is to create a comprehensive traffic calming plan that is liked by the community. While this article does not specifically mention driver feedback signs, we know that they are almost universally liked and embraced by communities where they are installed.  This is because they are effective and affordable, and—depending on the model of the sign—portable, so they can be moved between locations. And, they are significantly cheaper than vertical deflection devices like chicanes and speed humps. (See cost comparisons in the “Traffic Calming Guide for the 21st Century“ from Radarsign™)

Congratulations to Charlottesville’s great example of how traffic calming should be approached.

Charlie Robeson: Radarsign™ Co-founder & Director of Sales and Marketing