California is Putting Roads on "Traffic Diets" and Locals Are Furious

Photo byDOT

Traffic engineers across the West Coast are employing a controversial technique known as "traffic calming," designed to slow vehicle speeds and prioritize safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

While Caltrans says the measures are aimed at reducing accidents and making streets safer for all users, they have raised concerns among drivers who view the techniques as intentionally creating congestion and traffic jams.

Traffic calming relies on physical design features like speed humps, narrowed roads, and curb extensions to force drivers to reduce speed.

These changes are intended to make urban areas safer for non-motorists, but they also reduce traffic flow, which means more time waiting in traffic jams and slower speeds for cars.

Engineers defend these methods as a way to promote more responsible driving and discourage speeding, and the Federal government's DOT backs them up.

Originally developed in the UK during the 1930s, traffic calming has become more common in Europe and Australia. However, its adoption in North America has been slower.

Except here on the West Coast! Cities like Berkeley, California have embraced the technique with open arms, adding in traffic circles, parklets that intrude into the road, and other features to purposely slow cars down.

Proponents argue that these efforts reduce vehicle-related accidents and encourage alternative modes of transport like walking or biking.

For example, "road diets" reduce the number of travel lanes for cars to make room for bike lanes or pedestrian islands, which enhances safety but also creates congestion during peak hours.

Critics claim that these designs are counterproductive for motorists, especially in areas already suffering from traffic delays.

What do you think? Should engineers deliberately create traffic jams to help cyclists and walkers? Let us know in the comments.

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