Learn How to Request Speed Bumps on Your Street

Understanding Speed Bumps and Traffic Calming Measures

Speed bumps, also called speed humps or traffic calming devices, are raised sections of pavement installed across streets to slow down vehicles. They typically range from 3 to 4 inches in height and span the width of a roadway. Speed bumps work by making drivers uncomfortable if they travel above a certain speed—usually 15 to 20 miles per hour—creating a natural incentive to reduce speed without requiring police enforcement.

Speed bumps are just one tool in a broader category called traffic calming measures. Other options include speed tables (wider, flatter versions of speed bumps), raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and chicanes (which force drivers to navigate a curved path). Different cities use different terms: some call all raised devices "speed humps," while others distinguish between bumps (more abrupt) and humps (more gradual). Understanding the terminology used in your area helps when discussing options with local officials.

The purpose of speed reduction devices goes beyond inconvenience. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, even small reductions in vehicle speed significantly decrease crash severity and pedestrian injury rates. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 miles per hour has roughly a 5 percent chance of serious injury, while the same pedestrian struck at 40 miles per hour faces a 85 percent chance of serious injury. This data explains why communities prioritize speed reduction on streets where pedestrian activity is high.

Speed bumps have been used in residential neighborhoods since the 1970s, with widespread adoption increasing in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, thousands of neighborhoods across the United States have installed them. However, they are not appropriate for every street—emergency response routes, bus lines, and major arterial roads typically cannot accommodate them due to service disruptions and safety concerns for emergency vehicles.

Practical Takeaway: Before requesting speed bumps, understand that they are one option among several traffic calming tools. Your street may be better suited for an alternative measure, and discussing the full range of options with city officials increases the likelihood of finding a solution that addresses safety concerns while maintaining traffic flow.

Determining if Your Street is a Candidate for Speed Bumps

Not all streets qualify for speed bump installation. Municipal governments have specific criteria they use to evaluate requests. Understanding these criteria helps you assess whether your street meets the baseline requirements before investing time in the formal request process.

The most common criterion is documented speeding. Most jurisdictions require traffic speed data showing that a significant percentage of vehicles exceed the posted speed limit. Cities often use a metric called the "85th percentile speed"—the speed below which 85 percent of drivers travel. If the 85th percentile speed is 10 miles per hour or more above the posted limit, the street is typically considered a candidate. For example, on a street with a 25-mile-per-hour posted limit, an 85th percentile speed of 35 miles per hour would indicate a speeding problem.

Street classification matters significantly. Local residential streets are the primary candidates for speed bumps. Collector streets (those connecting residential areas to main roads) may be candidates but face more scrutiny. Major arterial roads and streets designated as emergency response routes are generally ineligible. You can find your street's classification through your city's comprehensive plan or zoning maps, usually available online through the planning department website.

Accident history is another evaluation factor. Streets with documented crashes involving speed as a contributing factor strengthen a request. This information is public record and may be available through your police department or city traffic engineer. However, some jurisdictions require a minimum number of crashes before considering traffic calming—this might be two or more crashes in a 12-month period, though standards vary.

Pedestrian and bicycle activity also influences decisions. Streets with schools, parks, or senior centers nearby have higher priority. Documented foot traffic—such as children walking to school—strengthens your request. Some cities track this through school safety audits or community surveys.

Practical Takeaway: Before submitting a formal request, gather baseline information about your street: the posted speed limit, whether you've observed frequent speeding, nearby schools or parks, and any accidents you're aware of. This data will inform whether your street meets basic candidacy criteria and will support your formal request later.

Collecting Data and Building Your Case

Successfully requesting speed bumps requires documented evidence that your street has a traffic safety problem. Anecdotal observations alone rarely convince city officials to install expensive infrastructure. Instead, you'll need specific data that demonstrates the issue and shows that speed reduction is warranted.

Speed data collection is the most persuasive evidence. Some cities provide free traffic counting services to residents, while others require you to hire a traffic engineering firm. A basic speed study typically costs between $300 and $800 and involves placing automated counting devices on the street for three to seven days. These devices record vehicle speeds and volumes, generating a report showing the 85th percentile speed and the percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit. Many engineering firms can complete this study within two to three weeks.

If hiring a study is not feasible, alternative documentation methods exist. Personal observation logs can be valuable if recorded systematically. Note the date, time, and estimated speeds of vehicles passing your location over several weeks. While less rigorous than automated counting, patterns recorded over time show commitment to the issue. Some residents use smartphone apps that estimate vehicle speed, though these are less authoritative than professional studies.

Petition signatures from neighbors demonstrate community support, which weighs heavily in decision-making. A petition should be specific—rather than asking for "traffic safety improvements," clearly request speed bumps or traffic calming measures. Aim for signatures from at least 50 percent of households on the affected block, though more is better. Include names, addresses, and signatures; unsigned petitions or those missing addresses carry less weight.

Accident reports, near-miss incidents, and injury documentation strengthen your case substantially. If anyone has been hit by a vehicle or nearly hit, obtain an incident report from police if one exists. Photos of skid marks, vehicle damage, or street conditions that encourage speeding (such as wide, straight pavement) provide visual context. School safety audits, if your street is near a school, may contain relevant safety concerns already documented by official sources.

Create a simple one-page summary of your findings. Include the street name, the documented speeding problem, nearby schools or parks, any accidents, and number of supportive households. This summary should be clear enough for a city council member or engineer to understand the issue in under two minutes.

Practical Takeaway: Invest time in collecting objective data about your street's speeding problem. Speed studies are the gold standard, but even systematic observation logs combined with a strong petition create a compelling case. The more specific your documentation, the more seriously city officials will consider your request.

Navigating the Official Request Process

The formal process for requesting speed bumps varies by city, but most follow a similar pathway. Understanding your city's specific process prevents delays and increases the likelihood of success.

Start by identifying the correct department. In most cities, this is the Department of Transportation, Traffic Engineering Division, or Public Works Department. City websites typically list all departments and their contact information. Call or email to ask specifically about the process for requesting traffic calming measures. Many cities have a standard form or request procedure documented on their website. If no formal process is listed, ask whether you should submit a request to the traffic engineer, city council, or neighborhood services department.

Some cities accept requests year-round, while others have designated application periods—perhaps once or twice yearly. Finding out the timeline prevents you from submitting a request that won't be reviewed for six months. Ask whether there is a waiting list and approximately how many months before a request receives consideration.

The actual request should include your prepared documentation: speed study results or observation data, petition signatures, accident reports if applicable, and a clear statement of the problem and proposed solution. Include a map showing the exact location where you want speed bumps installed—specify the street name and block or cross streets. Some cities have templates for these requests; use them if available. Format your submission neatly and include your contact information.

Submit your request through the official channel your city specified. Many cities accept online submissions through their website portal; others require mail or in-person delivery. Keep a copy for your records and note the submission date. Request a confirmation receipt showing your request was received.

After submission, follow up in writing if you haven't heard back within the time