Condescending ‘speed cushions’ won’t help us get around efficiently

The Seattle Department of Transportation has unveiled new partitioned speed humps on some city streets. They’re calling them “speed cushions,” which are deemed a “Physical Traffic Calming Device.”

The intent of these devices is to “improve street safety and encourages travelers to drive more slowly.” They’re specifically designed to slow cars down, while allowing transit and emergency vehicles to straddle the sides without getting too in the way of their speed.

Here are some photos taken from Boyer Avenue East between East Hamlin Street and 24th Avenue East in the Montlake neighborhood:

There’s something a bit condescending about calling these Physical Traffic Calming Devices. Yes, I know it’s about calming down the speed of the drivers. But I can’t help but think if they did more to make traffic flow better, people would be more calm on the roads and less likely to speed to try to get home in a reasonable amount of time.

Speeding is more likely to occur when a route takes 30 minutes more than it should. People will speed to make a light when the signals aren’t properly synced. I’m all for safety, but SDOT should better understand their designs that purposefully create more traffic congestion is leading to some dangerous driving habits.

So, ya know, calm our nerves on the road while you’re installing these speed cushions

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