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From Tech Transfer Newsletter, Winter 2007
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Resources from the Transportation Library: Speed Humps and Bumps
By Rita Evans
Reference Librarian, Institute of Transportation Studies Library
Operational Effectiveness of Speed Humps in Traffic Calming
Raj V. Ponnaluri, Paul Groce
ITE Journal, July 2005, pages 26-30
The effectiveness of speed humps in reducing speeds on residential roads in rural areas was examined by comparing pre- and post-installation speed and traffic volumes. Public involvement was viewed as a key element, as was consideration of impacts on emergency vehicle response times.
A Comparative Study of Speed Humps, Speed Slots and Speed Cushions
L. Johnson and A.J. Nedzesky
2004 ITE Annual Meeting
In a study conducted in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, it was found that speed slots allowed the highest average speeds when compared to speed cushions and speed humps. Speed cushions, 12-ft speed humps and 14-ft prefabricated speed humps recorded the lowest crossing speed. They also exhibited a high rate of braking maneuvers.
Towards a North American Geometric Design Standard for Speed Humps
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Philip A. Weber and John P. Braaksma
ITE Journal, January 2000, pages 30-34
Examines speed hump geometric design with particular emphasis on the length of the hump as a critical design parameter. Suggested speed hump dimensions are given for different speeds and for routes with and without buses.
A Matched Case-Control Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Speed Humps in Reducing Child Pedestrian Injuries
J.M. Tester, R.W. Rutherford, Z. Wald, M.W. Rutherford
American Journal of Public Health, April 2004, pages 646-650
The study examined the effectiveness of speed humps in reducing child pedestrian injuries in Oakland, California, and found that they substantially reduce the odds of children being hit in their neighborhood. The findings strongly indicate that speed humps increase children's safety.
Speed Humps Work Well in Oakland
K. Foxhall
Better Roads, July 2004, pages 66-67
A study conducted in Oakland, California, found that children who live within a block of a speed hump were only half as likely as other children to be hit by a car or truck in their own neighborhood. Oakland has installed 2000 speed humps on residential streets in a program that includes extensive community involvement.
Portland's City-Wide Speed Bump Study:
Seeing the Big Picture
Public Works, February 2000, pages 22-26
This article reviews efforts by Portland, Oregon, to assess the effectiveness of the 500 speed humps it has installed since 1984. A study found that both 14- and 22-foot speed humps reduce travel speeds, although it is unclear how effective they are over time. Traffic volume on treated streets decreases, and further study should be made of traffic diversions as a result of installing humps.
Traffic Calming Project Involves Residents
D. Hartman
Better Roads, February 2001, pages 37-42
Public works officials in Golden, Colorado, found that involving residents was essential in finding effective traffic calming solutions. After experimenting with decoys, speed trailers, speed limit changes, chokers and speed humps, the department and residents found that traffic circles and islands achieved excellent results.
All-Way Stops Versus Speed Humps:
Which is More Effective at Slowing Traffic?
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D.E. Clark
ITE 2000 Annual Meeting and Exhibit
A study of drivers on two Georgia county streets found that vehicles actually increased their speed after the installation of unwarranted all-way stops, while the installation of speed humps resulted in more constant speeds.
Traffic Calming—Beware of the Backlash
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Cline, E; E. Cline and J. Dabkowski
Enhancing Transportation Safety in the 21st Century, 1999 ITE International Conference
Traffic calming measures such as the installation of speed humps often generate public opposition. The amount of resentment is usually tied to the amount of traffic that is disrupted, the functional use of the street being calmed, and the severity of the treatment. Humps less than three inches high usually are acceptable.
Traffic Calming Liability Issues
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R. Ewing
ITE 2000 Annual Meeting and Exhibit
While many local municipalities are reluctant to employ traffic calming measures due to fears of litigation, lawsuits and damage claims are not the problem they are perceived to be. This paper presents summaries of 20 legal actions; only two were successful and one of those was overturned on appeal. Speed bumps have been deemed a hazard by some courts, but speed humps have been found acceptable.
A Study on Speed Humps
http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/Research/roadhump/
D.E. Smith and K.L. Giese
Center for Transportation Research and Education, 1997
This study discusses the use of speed humps as a traffic calming measure in residential neighborhoods. It differentiates between speed humps and speed bumps; discusses their use, and effects on motor vehicles and their speed; presents ideas on their design and location; and relates other considerations, especially bicyclists and motorcyclists.
About the UC Berkeley Transportation Library
Most of the items listed in this article are available from the UC Berkeley Transportation Library. Visit the Library for more information or to request access.
Employees of California public sector transportation agencies at the local, state, and regional levels, including federal agencies located in California, are eligible to request anything in the transportation library's catalog. The library will even provide up to 50 pages of photocopies of articles from journals, trade magazines, or conference reports.
For more information about approved signs and markings, consult the MUTCD and California Supplement.
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