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Traffic Calming continued

the time) agreed that this was the time to support a (the cemetery road) onto SE 9th Avenue into the
neighborhood-wide (L.H. and R.V.) traffic calming plan. neighborhood reduced cut-through traffic on western Rio
Vista streets by roughly 50%.
A test was implemented. Sample speed humps and tables
were installed. Some streets were blocked off. Volumes Some neighborhood streets met City requirements to have
and speeds were tabulated. Neighbor input was collected. devices installed, others did not. If a street did not have the
Many, many neighborhood and Civic Association Board volume or excessive 15th percentile speeds, it did not qualify.
meetings were held to discuss the temporary calming Following public input, traffic consultant revisions, RVCA
devices and potential alternatives.
Board support and City staff and Commission approval,
The test speed humps (speed “tables” is the more accurate the traffic calming plan was implemented. After
term—a gentle ramp up, a flat top and then a ramp back implementation, additional data was collected which
down) were specifically chosen to permit traffic to flow confirmed 1) the decrease in overall cut-through traffic,
over them at a steady 20-25 mph speed rather than the and, 2) lowering of the 15th percentile speeds to between
more abrupt speed “bumps” or humps which typically 24 and 27 m.p.h.
forced vehicles to slow drastically, ease over the bumps Is it the perfect solution? Maybe not. Has it helped lower
and then accelerate to the next bump.
vehicle speeds and reduce cut-through traffic throughout
The data from the months-long testing showed the the neighborhood(s)? Absolutely, though as our City
temporary speed tables significantly slowed drivers. grows we might have to consider additional alternatives to
Prohibiting vehicle entry from northbound SE 10th Avenue protect our little oasis in the middle of town. RV

Example of Rio Vista's 'speed tables' (aka speed humps)

12 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com