The City of Cambridge announced the launch of its Speed Hump Pilot Program, which aims at slowing down traffic by introducing 48 new speed humps across residential areas. The program, part of the Vision Zero initiative to eradicate traffic fatalities, was sparked by a Participatory Budgeting process where residents allocated $250,000 towards curbing neighborhood speeding. Cambridge residents witnessing the first nine speed humps installation this October can anticipate a safer and more sustainable living environment.
Funded in part by Participatory Budgeting, the rollout starts with nine humps based on community feedback and city council requests, with the remaining installations planned over time. Speed humps are longer, more gradual paved rises than speed bumps and are intended to decrease vehicle speeds without major disturbance to traffic flow. Designed as a comfort for both drivers and cyclists, they're not jarring like their parking lot counterparts according to Cambridge officials, ensuring that people and transportation can coexist harmoniously.
Cambridge has selected the first speed hump installations based on several criteria, including existing traffic data, street width, proximity to essential services, and crash history. Additional sites across the city are being vetted, while Cardinal Medeiros Drive's inclusion is pending for the spring, after necessary permits from the MWRA are obtained. Cambridge encourages residents to submit potential speed hump locations using the city's Traffic Calming Request Form.
The City's transportation department has mapped out where the October hump installations will take place, which includes Dover Street, Lakeview Avenue, Field Street in conjunction with Garden Street near Universal Playground, Reservoir Street, and Walden Street. Community members are invited to stay informed and provide feedback on the ongoing speed hump plans by visiting the City's official project page. Notices and signage are being posted in advance to notify residents of the coming changes.
