Traffic calming is the use of physical solutions to reduce traffic speeds and/or cut-through traffic with the goal of making streets safer and more accessible for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It has been proven as an effective way to reduce speeding on residential streets, avoid traffic crashes, and prevent needless fatalities. By implementing proper traffic management devices, we can increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as well as decrease vehicular collisions in those areas.

One of the historically reliable methods for traffic calming is vertical deflection, which adds a height variation to the road, causing motor vehicles to slow when approaching. Horizontal shifts and roadway narrowing are another way to implement calming measures. As with vertical deflection, traffic volume itself is relatively unaffected. These techniques will reduce vehicle speed and enhance streetscapes with minimal impact on traffic volume.

Traffic engineers, public works officials, and urban planners have many strategies for traffic calming including speed humps or tables, emergency-friendly speed cushions, lane narrowing, traffic circles, and improved bicycle access with designated bike lanes. These solutions are used to create more complete streets that offer safe access to all users.

Improving the streetscape will lead to a more walkable and bikeable area and allow for healthier lifestyles in the surrounding community.

While solutions can be instituted at the street, neighborhood, or city-wide level, traffic calming is most effective when it is part of a proactive program to improve street safety based on highest need. This is often ascertained with a points program to determine where risk is highest.