Integrating second-generation traffic calming into an existing program

Second-generation traffic calming does not require the abandonment of the existing traffic calming department. It simply requires the introduction of a more holistic approach together with some new technologies and programs. This is not to say that traditional traffic calming is 'wrong' but simply that there may be cleverer ways of managing traffic.

It is also acknowledged that there will be a transition period from traditional traffic calming to second-generation traffic calming. Until initiatives like the Pace Car, Street Reclaiming and Walking Bus begin to create a new culture, there may be a continued need for some traditional traffic calming. However, the introduction of these programs should immediately begin to reduce the need for expensive physical works, particularly if residents are asked to try these new programs before the city will consider the more expensive options.

The existing Traffic Calming Department can choose how far it wants to go in pursuing second-generation traffic calming. For example, it may decide to introduce the Pace Car Program but to put official involvement in street reclaiming on hold for the time being (residents would still be free to do some reclaiming such as moving activities closer to the street). Or it may choose to complement the Pace Car Program with a school program such as Red Sneaker Week and the Walking School Bus program. Here are some steps you may take to start integrating second generation techniques into an existing Traffic Calming Program.

Self-help programs as a first response to complaints and requests for traffic calming: When residents or schools comes asking for traditional traffic calming, they are offered some kind of self-help program (such as Pace Car, Red Sneaker Week, or Street Reclaiming) as a first response. If this does not reduce the problem sufficiently, then the city will look at other more extreme (and much more expensive) measures. It is important that all sections of the city and police department have agreed to the procedure for dealing with speed or traffic complaints. It is also important that the benefits of this approach are made clear and that it is not seen as the city simply passing the buck. It is therefore helpful if these self-help programs are run in partnership with the community, or that the community be given the front-running on the programs. For example, the Neighborhood Association or Downtown Business Association may run the program. The city may also reward those streets or schools who implement a self-help program. For example, they may get preferential treatment for street furniture or repair of sidewalks.

Develop street reclaiming guidelines: We know that intrigue and uncertainty are key ingredients for getting motorists to slow down. This means streets need to be 'ever-changing' and must feel unique. We also know that motorists are encouraged to act more like a guest in streets that look more like an 'an outdoor living room' than those that look like the space is designed exclusively for the movement of cars. We also know that all these factors come together best in streets that exude the personality of residents. To accomplish this, the city must devolve much of the design process to residents and this means giving a certain freedom to residents to decorate their own outdoor living room. Currently there are no guidelines in most cities to facilitate this process. The street reclaiming guidelines need to contain enough control to ensure safety is not compromised (remembering that predictability does not necessarily increase safety) yet give maximum freedom to residents to develop their own creative reclaiming devices. One way to accomplish this is for the city to provide what I call 'blank canvases' for the community to do their street reclaiming on. Examples of a 'blank canvas' approach is the Universal Anchoring Device and the creation of entry-ways to streets. (See Street Reclaiming for more details.)

Designate but don't design space to be reclaimed: It may still be appropriate to remove some roadspace in some streets in order to change the geometry of the street and thereby help reduce speeds. However, the primary focus of this recycling of street space should be to encourage a return and strengthening of neighborhood life. The speed reduction will be achieved by a combination of increased street activity and the change in geometry. These reclaimed spaces need to be practical spaces that encourage neighborhood activity of some kind - for example they may contain things like seating, community notice board, outdoor chess set, play equipment, etc. However, there is a potential problem if these spaces are master-designed by the city or by the most articulate people in the street. The design may not reflect the needs of those who have been most impacted by the demise of street life - children, the elderly, eccentrics, ethnic groups, etc. These are not the people who attend meetings to discuss what they want in their street. It is therefore highly recommended that these spaces be 'designed after use' rather than 'designed before use'. This entails an integrative design process in which the spaces to be reclaimed are marked out in some way (the first step in traditional traffic calming), but that these spaces be left as a 'blank canvas' and that the community be invited to start using these spaces. The city may provide some 'art materials' with which the community can 'paint their canvas' - loose seats, landscaping on wheels, Universal Anchoring Devices, etc. But the spaces are allowed to evolve and grow rather than being master designed. In this way the community takes some responsibility for what eventually grows in these spaces.

Clearing house for movable devices: As explained in the Street Reclaiming section, ever-changing streetscapes is one of the secrets for calming traffic. This means that movable reclaiming devices are much more effective for calming traffic than static devices This is part of the logic for the creation of the Universal Anchoring Device; it allows devices to be moved from one neighborhood to another easily. Instead of investing in fixed concrete devices, traffic calming departments need to begin investing in these movable devices. Longer term one of the major roles of traffic calming departments will be to become a clearing house for these movable devices.

Proportion of traffic calming budget to self-help programs: Long-term a large proportion of the current traffic calming budget should be redirected to 'second generation traffic calming' - initiatives like the Pace Car, street reclaiming, walking school bus, etc. However, if budgets are currently set and you wish to make an immediate start, you may consider delaying one or two traditional traffic calming projects until the next financial year and use these funds for an immediate start-up. In many cases just one medium size traffic calming project will pay for a moderately sized self-help program for an entire city.