Traffic Calming

BIT's transportation division works with the community and the police department to address concerns of excessive driving speeds and other undesirable driving behavior on residential neighborhood streets.  With community input and support, the city has developed and implemented various “traffic-calming” measures to help mitigate these conditions.

The most commonly used traffic-calming device is a “speed hump”, which is a raised bump in the roadway designed to reduce motorist's driving speeds.  The city adopted a Speed Hump Policy that establishes the criteria to evaluate the need for a speed hump.  Other traffic-calming devices include speed tables, traffic circles, and radar speed display signs.

The city has also implemented “road diets” on several streets, to reduce traffic speeds and improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility.  Road diets involve reducing the width and/or the number of driving lanes on an existing roadway, therby creating a narrowing effect that encourages motorists to maintain appropriate speeds.  In many cases, a road diet also provides an opportunity to add bike lanes to the roadway, thereby creating a more complete street.

Other traffic-calming projects have been constructed throughout the city to improve and encourage pedestrian activity.  These projects include crosswalk enhancements such as flashing-beacon warning systems, street lighting, and high-visibility crosswalk markings and signage.

If you would like to contact the city regarding traffic calming requests or concerns, please call (650) 780-7380.  Letters of request may be mailed to Redwood City Engineering, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063.