Why Is Cambridge Adding More Speed Humps to Its Streets?
If you’ve driven through Cambridge lately, you might have noticed a few new bumps in the road—literally. The city’s transportation commissioner recently confirmed that 20 to 30 raised asphalt speed humps are on the way, with plans to build as many as funding allows. But what’s behind this push for more speed humps, and how will it affect daily life for residents, commuters, and local businesses?
What Problems Are Speed Humps Trying to Solve?
Cambridge, like many urban areas, faces a tricky balancing act: keeping traffic moving while making streets safer for everyone. Over the past decade, the city has seen a steady rise in pedestrian and cyclist activity. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, pedestrian injuries in urban areas have increased by nearly 15% since 2015. Local officials say speed humps are a proven way to slow down cars, especially on residential streets where kids play and people walk or bike.
The city’s own data backs this up. After installing speed humps on several side streets in 2022, average vehicle speeds dropped by about 6 mph. That might not sound dramatic, but research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that even a 5 mph reduction can cut the risk of severe injury in a pedestrian collision by nearly half. In short: slowing down saves lives.
How Do Speed Humps Actually Work?
Not all bumps are created equal. Cambridge’s new humps are designed to be wide and gently sloped, unlike the abrupt speed bumps found in parking lots. The goal is to nudge drivers to slow down to 15-20 mph without jarring passengers or damaging vehicles. These humps are typically 3-4 inches high and stretch 12-14 feet across, making them effective at reducing speed while still allowing emergency vehicles to pass with minimal delay.
The city also uses clear signage and reflective paint to make the humps visible, even at night or in bad weather. It’s a small touch, but one that helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone on the same page.
Will This Make Traffic Worse?
It’s a fair question. Some residents worry that more speed humps will snarl traffic or push drivers onto other streets. But studies from the Institute of Transportation Engineers suggest that, when used thoughtfully, speed humps don’t significantly increase congestion. Instead, they tend to calm traffic across neighborhoods, making streets quieter and less stressful for everyone.
Cambridge officials are taking a targeted approach, focusing on streets with a history of speeding or crashes. They’re also gathering feedback from residents before and after installation, so adjustments can be made if problems crop up. In other words, it’s not a one-size-fits-all plan—it’s about finding what works for each block.
How Are These Projects Funded?
The number of speed humps Cambridge can build comes down to dollars and cents. Each raised hump costs between $3,000 and $5,000 to install, depending on location and materials. The city is tapping into a mix of municipal funds and state grants aimed at improving pedestrian safety. There’s also a push to secure additional funding through Vision Zero, a nationwide initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities.
Local leaders say the investment is worth it. For the price of a single speed hump, the city could prevent a serious injury—or even save a life. And as more funding becomes available, the plan is to expand the program to cover more neighborhoods.
What Do Residents and Experts Think?
Reactions are mixed, as you might expect. Some longtime residents welcome the change, saying it makes their streets safer for kids and pets. Others worry about noise or inconvenience, especially for delivery drivers and cyclists. Transportation experts, however, point to a growing body of evidence that speed humps, when combined with other traffic-calming measures like curb extensions and better crosswalks, can dramatically reduce accidents.
Dr. Emily Norton, a transportation safety researcher at a Boston-area university, notes that “speed humps are one of the simplest, most cost-effective tools cities have to protect vulnerable road users.” She adds that public input is key: “The best outcomes happen when cities listen to residents and adjust their plans as needed.”
What’s Next for Cambridge Streets?
Expect to see more of these raised humps popping up over the next year, especially in areas flagged by residents or with a history of speeding complaints. City officials encourage feedback and are hosting community meetings to discuss locations and gather suggestions.
The big takeaway? Safer streets aren’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.
