In the heart of Flagstaff, city officials gathered to discuss a potential new approach to traffic management that could reshape the streets of this vibrant community. The Flagstaff Transportation Commission meeting on October 1, 2025, brought to the forefront the topic of speed humps as a traffic calming measure, a proposal initially sparked by Mayor Daggett earlier this year.

As the meeting commenced, Jeff, a city representative, provided context for the discussion, explaining that the idea of speed humps had garnered interest from several council members. Historically, concerns about snow plowing had hindered the implementation of such measures, but the city now appears ready to explore this option on a trial basis. The meeting featured insights from various departments, including public works and emergency services, highlighting the collaborative effort required to address the multifaceted implications of speed humps.

Sydney Juve, a Transportation Engineer Associate, took the stage to present findings on speed humps and their potential role in Flagstaff's traffic calming toolbox. She outlined the current traffic management strategies, which include measures for speeding, excessive traffic volumes, pedestrian crossings, and bicycle facilities. Juve emphasized that while many older neighborhoods face speeding issues, these are often linked to quality of life rather than safety concerns, as crash data typically shows no significant history of accidents.

The presentation revealed that speed humps could effectively reduce vehicle speeds by 5 to 13 miles per hour on local roads. With a low cost of approximately $7,500 each, speed humps are not only budget-friendly but also require minimal maintenance. Juve clarified that these would differ from the speed bumps commonly found in parking lots, being designed to accommodate snow removal and emergency vehicle access.

A key point of discussion was the potential adjustment of the threshold for implementing speed humps. Currently, 30% of vehicles must exceed the speed limit by at least 5 miles per hour for a project to be considered. Juve proposed that lowering this threshold could allow for more projects to be initiated, potentially benefiting neighborhoods that have long awaited traffic calming solutions.

The meeting also addressed the strategic placement of speed humps, suggesting they be limited to local and minor collector roads to avoid disrupting emergency response routes. Spacing between humps was another critical factor, with recommendations for placing them 200 to 600 feet apart to maintain effectiveness without causing excessive delays.

As the discussion wrapped up, the commission acknowledged the need for a dedicated budget for traffic calming measures, with suggestions for community involvement in funding to prioritize projects based on citizen interest. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of Flagstaff's streets, as officials consider innovative solutions to enhance safety and quality of life for residents. The exploration of speed humps marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, reflecting a commitment to adapting urban infrastructure to meet the needs of its community.