Abstract: Traffic calming is still growing in popularity in the United States. There have been success stories, but also controversy. Studies and statistics are plentiful that demonstrate the benefits of traffic calming. However, there appear to be just as many emphasizing the drawbacks. Perception seems to be biggest factor in determining the success of a traffic calming program. This is no different in Rochester, NY. In response to community concerns on two parallel streets that lead between city arterial roads, the City of Rochester installed speed humps in 2000. A follow-up study, performed in 2001, demonstrated that the speed humps were effective in reducing traffic volumes on diversion routes. Peak hour traffic counts revealed that traffic on Winchester Street decreased by 15% - 21%, while traffic on Merrill Street decreased by 23% - 27%. City of Rochester data revealed the percent of vehicles over the speed limit of 30 mph was 61% before installation of the speed humps and 15% after. The 85th-percentile speed was 37 mph before the humps and 29 mph after. The City considered the project a big success. Stantec mailed a survey to residents of the streets to gauge opinions. The survey results clearly revealed the role of perception in the evaluation of traffic calming. While many residents rated the speed humps as highly effective in reducing speed, just as many felt that they had no effect at all. It appears that for some people, speed reduction is not as important as personal inconvenience.
Publication Year: 2005
Publication Date: 2005-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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