Speed Hump Pilot Program Kicks Off in Cambridge This Fall

The City of Cambridge is expanding its traffic calming efforts through a new Speed Hump Pilot Program designed to make residential streets safer and more comfortable for everyone. Funded in part by Participatory Budgeting, where residents voted to dedicate $250,000 toward reducing neighborhood speeding , the program will deliver 48 new speed humps on key residential streets citywide. The first nine speed humps are scheduled for installation in October 2025.

Speed humps are gradual, raised areas of pavement designed to reduce vehicle speeds while maintaining a comfortable ride for drivers and cyclists. Unlike the sharper speed bumps found in parking lots, speed humps are longer and lower, helping slow traffic without causing significant disruption. They are a widely used and proven tool in cities to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce traffic-related injuries.

This effort is part of Cambridge's Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries while supporting more livable and walkable neighborhoods.

How Locations Are Chosen

The first speed hump locations were selected based on prior requests from residents and the Cambridge City Council, serving as an initial pilot. Moving forward, new locations will be evaluated using both community-submitted traffic calming requests and several criteria, including:

• Traffic data (vehicle speeds and volumes),
• Street width and grade,
• Proximity to schools, hospitals and other sensitive land uses,
• Crash History
• Part of a primary or secondary emergency response route

Work is already underway to identify additional locations for speed humps across the City. The nine speed hump locations currently announced represent the initial phase of our speed hump pilot program. We currently have funding for approximately 48 speed humps. This first group allows us to begin implementation while we continue working to address other high-priority areas across the city. Notably, Cardinal Medeiros Drive remains a top priority and will be addressed this spring when required permitting with the MWRA is complete.

Request a Speed Hump

If you'd like speed humps considered in your neighborhood, submit a request through the city's Traffic Calming Request Form . Community input helps the City identify problem areas and prioritize improvements that make daily travel safer for everyone.

By reducing speeding and enhancing safety, the Speed Hump Program supports the City's ongoing goal to create more welcoming, walkable, and bike-friendly neighborhoods across Cambridge.

Where Speed Hump Installations Are Happening

Based on prior requests from residents and the Cambridge City Council, and identification of on-going safety issues, piloted installation of speed humps is coming in October 2025 on the following streets:

To view an approximate location of the speed hump placement, click the street names above for a map. Notices will be posted in advance at each location, and each installation will include construction signage, pavement markings, and warning signs to notify residents of the change. Those wishing to provide us with feedback can fill out this feedback form.

Stay updated on all speed hump plans and submit your request by visiting Camb.MA/speedhump.