Our streets have always served a dual purpose: facilitating movement and creating vibrant
public spaces. However the rise of automobiles in the 20th century often tipped the scales
towards prioritizing speed over safety and community. Traffic calming emerged as a response to
this imbalance aiming to create safer and more livable environments. This evolution of traffic
calming strategies reflects a shift from solely relying on physical obstacles to incorporating
psychological cues and fostering a culture of shared responsibility.The Early Days: Physical
Barriers and EnforcementThe initial attempts at traffic calming were quite blunt. Speed bumps
median barriers and chicanes (S-shaped road curves) were physically imposed on streets
forcing drivers to slow down. These measures were undeniably effective in reducing speed but
they often came with drawbacks. Speed bumps could be jarring for drivers and cyclists alike
while median barriers could restrict access for emergency vehicles. Additionally heavy
reliance on physical obstacles placed the burden solely on enforcement potentially fostering a
sense of resentment among drivers.
