PUBLIC WORKS
  1. Traffic
  2. Neighborhood Traffic Management
  3. Speed Hump Program

Speed Hump Program

As part of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP), the Public Works Department has established a formal Speed Hump Policy Guidelines and Procedure to effectively address concerns related to speeding on residential streets. The goal of this policy is to enhance neighborhood safety by implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, to reduce vehicle speeds on eligible residential streets. This policy aims to unite neighborhoods and identify appropriate measures to improve travel behavior for the benefit of affected communities. Speed humps are a potential secondary option for residential designated streets.

Local residential streets eligible for speed humps shall meet the following general design criteria including, but not limited to:

  • Have direct driveway access to street
  • Have no more than one lane of travel in each direction
  • Have a legal speed limit of 25MPH or less
  • Street width no wider than 40 feet from curb to curb
  • Have a vertical grade of 8% or less
  • Have average daily traffic volumes between 750 vehicles and no greater than 2,000 vehicles in both directions in a 24-hour period on an average weekday.
  • Have a minimum combined 85th percentile speed of 37 MPH

Speed Hump Policies, Guidelines and Procedures can be accessed here:

View Guidelines & Procedures View Program Flyer

Requests for speed humps can be initiated by submitting a service request via the City of Riverside 311 Call Center:

Upon a received service request, the Public Works Department will review and provide applicable forms to be completed should the given street meet the minimum conditions to be considered for street humps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a speed hump?

A speed hump is an elongated mound in the roadway pavement surface extending across the traveled way designed perpendicular to the traffic flow. The purpose of a speed hump is to regulate traffic speeds by providing minor vertical deflection while driving through it. Speed humps are still considered experimental roadway features; therefore, additions, alterations, or removals of all speed humps may occur at any time.

What are the disadvantages of speed humps?

The disadvantages of speed humps are increased noise from braking and accelerating vehicles, drivers may speed up in between and after speed humps to “make-up for lost time”, residents and emergency vehicles will have increased travel time, and increased vehicle emissions and exhaust fumes.

What are the benefits of speed humps?

The benefits of speed humps include potential vehicular speed reduction in the range of 5-8MPH per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), discourages cut-through traffic from subject street, creates an impression of traffic calming intentions on the roadway and is a proven safety countermeasure.

What local residential streets are eligible for speed humps?

As part of the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP), speed humps are a secondary option for residential designated streets. Local residential streets eligible for speed humps shall meet the following general design criteria including, but not limited to, direct driveway access to street, no more than one lane in each direction, legal speed limit must be 25MPH or less, street width not exceeding 40 feet, vertical grade of 8% or less, average daily traffic volumes less than 2,000 vehicles per day, and minimum 85th percentile speed survey of 37MPH.

What does the speed hump approval process look like?

After exhausting the initial traffic calming options of the NTMP, speed humps are one of the secondary options considered for residential designated local streets. Based on the City Council adopted procedures, the speed humps are initiated with a signature petition from the residents on the subject street with a minimum of 70% in support of the proposed speed humps. Upon confirming community support, City staff conducts a technical analysis to determine if speed humps are warranted and then an agenda report is forwarded to the Transportation Board for review and recommendation. If recommended by the Transportation Board, then the request is forwarded to City Council for final review and approval.

How do I apply for speed humps on my residential street?

Requests for speed humps can be initiated by submitting a service request via the City of Riverside 311 Call Center: