Speeds were way to high on west st. Something had to be done. But unfortunately the configuration of the humps is a major hazard for cyclists. The humps are placed too close to the curb so you are either forced to go over them (which is a stupid thing to do on a bike) or take the center of the lane and go through the center (motorcycle) passage. Installation was very poorly executed.
Traffic Calming Guidance as Design Guidelines published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers have documented that speed humps are most effective when spaced from 260 to 500 feet apart. The speed hump locations were identified using this guidance as well as additional design criteria which includes factors such as the location of intersecting cross-streets, driveways, and roadway geometry (curvature). This resulted in the optimal design for the installation on West Street to include the 5 speed humps installed. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me, Victoria Houle, Project Engineer, at (860) 285-1862.
Victoria, can you comment on my observation of the danger they represent to cyclists? I don't dispute their need but rather ho close they are to the curbs. Less than 1 foot. Would have expected at least 24" - 36"
Mike - That is a good observation. Guidance says that 12" -18" is desired between the edge of the speed hump and the edge of roadway as well as a taper on the side of the speed hump. As you know, West Street is a narrow street, however, it appears that a minimum of 12" is available along each of the recently installed speed humps. We welcome any additional questions you may have and again feel free to contact me at 860-285-1862 if you would like to discuss further.
8 Comments
Town of Windsor, CT (Verified Official)
Mike (Registered User)
BrendanM721 (Registered User)
Acknowledged Tom LePore - Police Department (Registered User)
Tom LePore - Police Department (Registered User)
Closed Victoria Houle - Engineering (Registered User)
Mike (Registered User)
Victoria Houle - Engineering (Registered User)