Speed cushions and speed humps
Speed cushions and speed humps help reduce speeds and improve safety on Calgary streets. This work supports Calgary’s Vision Zero and Safer Mobility Plan, which aim to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads by creating safer streets for everyone.
The City of Calgary uses traffic calming measures to support safer travel for everyone whether you are walking, biking or driving.
Speed cushions and speed humps are raised features on the road that help slow drivers down. When used in the right locations, they support safer speeds, typically around 30–40 km/h.
Speed cushions
- Segmented raised sections with gaps
- Used on busier streets
- Allow emergency vehicles and buses to pass more easily
Speed humps
- Continuous across the road
- Used on lower-volume residential streets
- Reduce speeds for all vehicles
Why do we use these?
Why do we use these?
These tools help create safer, more livable neighbourhood streets. Speed cushions and speed humps are used to:
- Reduce vehicle speeds
- Improve safety for people walking, biking and driving
- Respond to collision history and speeding concerns
- Support neighbourhood livability
Where can they be installed?
Where can they be installed?
Not all streets are suitable for speed cushions or speed humps. A location may be considered if it:
- Is a collector street connecting neighbourhood roads
- Is in a school or playground zone
- Has a speed limit of 40 km/h or lower
- Is next to residential homes
- Can support installation without major impacts to transit or emergency services
Speed cushions and speed humps are only installed where conditions are appropriate. Not all locations will meet the criteria for installation.
How are locations evaluated?
How are locations evaluated?
We use data to decide where these measures will be most effective. City staff collect and review:
- Vehicle speeds
- Traffic volumes
- Collision history
A location may be considered when:
- Drivers are travelling above the speed limit
- Traffic volumes are appropriate for traffic calming
- There is a history of collisions, including those involving pedestrians or cyclists
Community input
Community input
Residents who live on the street may be asked to provide feedback. In some cases, a petition is used to confirm support from residents directly affected by a proposed installation.
This helps ensure decisions reflect the needs of the community.
Design and placement
Design and placement
Installations are carefully planned to be safe and effective.
Speed cushions and humps are:
- Installed in a series along a street
- Spaced to encourage consistent speeds
- Placed away from intersections and bus stops
- Supported by signs and pavement markings
Design also considers visibility, access to driveways, drainage, and accessibility.
Monitoring and maintenance
Monitoring and maintenance
We continue to review performance after installation. The City monitors:
- Changes in vehicle speeds
- Overall effectiveness
- Condition and durability
Past projects
Temporary speed cushions and speed humps were installed at select pilot locations to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing vehicle speeds. They've shown a reduction in speeds, confirming the effectiveness of speed cushions and speed humps in improving road safety.
Based on the results, we have replaced the temporary materials with permanent asphalt speed cushions at the locations below.
Please note that images shown are preliminary and may not represent actual location of speed cushions or speed humps. To learn more, please see the full summary of the pilot project and its findings.
Auburn Sound Manor S.E.
Auburn Shores Way S.E.
29 Street S.W.
Crescent Heights High School
Taradale Drive N.E.
Concerned about speeding?
If you have concerns about traffic speeds in your area:
- Submit a service request through 311
- Include details about the location
Requests are reviewed as part of ongoing traffic safety planning.