Traffic Calming

Houston's Pedestrian Death Problem, Explained
The city's roadways were built to prioritize fast-moving traffic, not safety. With a new Vision Zero plan, that could change.

Philadelphia Street Mural Aims to Slow Cars and Improve Pedestrian Safety
Part of a larger safety and beautification plan, the mural is designed to slow down drivers and bring a 'sense of hope' to the neighborhood.

The Slow Streets Reckoning
Slow streets programs provided a quick short-term solution and paved the way for some permanent street closures and realignments. Now, these programs are getting a second look as community groups react to the changes.

Traffic Reductions in Outer London's 'Mini-Hollands' Curtail Vehicle Ownership
An analysis of areas designated as "low traffic neighborhoods" shows a decrease in vehicle ownership rates, a promising sign for the traffic-choked metropolis.
'Vision Zero 2.0' Launched When Vision Zero 1.0 Didn't Save Any Lives
Toronto has gone back to the drawing board for more effective strategies and tactics for reducing traffic fatalities after its first attempt failed to produce any measurable results.

When it Comes to Road Diets, Evidence Doesn't Matter
Drivers are a powerful enough lobby to overcome all evidence of the need to redesign streets for safety. Examples from Maryland and Virginia provide the latest case studies in Vision Zero futility.

The Negligence Law Revolution That Wasn't
In 2017, New York's highest court held that cities could be held liable for failure to adopt traffic calming policies. Why hasn't this ruling led to safer streets?
Street Makeover On the Way in Portland
The work of the Portland Bureau of Transportation on NE Tillamook Street is a perfect example of how a little bit of money can go a long way for traffic safety.

Major Street Redesign Coming to Pittsburgh's Historic Strip District
Five blocks in Pittsburgh's Historic Produce Terminal Strip District will gain wider sidewalks, public spaces, and traffic calming according to a recently released final design concept.

What Happens When a Downtown Becomes Nearly Car-Free?
"Parking spots are now bike lanes, transit is fast and easy, and the streets (and local businesses) are full of people."
Opinion: Make Austin's Accidental Scooter Lane Permanent
Austin scooter traffic is rising, so why not make room for them?

Tactical Urbanism Comes to Euclid, Ohio
Volunteers in Cleveland suburb, Euclid, undertook a traffic calming and beautification project on one of the city's downtown streets.

The Vancouver Model of Traffic Safety Includes Trees
Vancouver combined environmental goals and traffic safety goals.
Residential Traffic Calming Project Hits Roadblocks in D.C.
Concerns about congestion or parking aren't the only obstacles to street reconfiguration projects intended to improve traffic safety.

Op-Ed: Philadelphia City Council Shouldn't Be Able to Block Bike Lanes
The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board pushes against a proposed bill that increases City Council oversight of new bike lanes. Traffic calming, the Inquirer argues, requires a citywide approach.

California Bill Sets Its Sights on Lower Speed Limits
A proposed bill in the California State Assembly would make it easier for local jurisdictions to set lower speed limits, sidestepping the controversial 85th percentile rule.

University of Pittsburgh Settles for Pedestrian Improvements on Adjacent Street
The university wanted to limit a section of Bigelow Boulevard to pedestrians, but the city pushed for a compromise: better crosswalks and traffic calming features. Now the challenge is finding the funds.

Federal Highway Administration Bureaucrat Says Rainbow Crosswalks Are a Liability
An administrator for the Kentucky division of the Federal Highway Administration informed the city of Lexington that its rainbow crosswalk does not meet federal safety standards.

Los Angeles Councilmember Chooses the Side of Traffic Safety
Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin sent a clear message to commuters upset about traffic calming projects in his district: "We don’t have to lose one more precious life."

Resources for Creating a Pop-Up Traffic Calming Demonstration
A how-to guide for concerned citizens and tactical urbanists interested in slowing down traffic in their community.
Pagination
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service