Type
General Knowledge
Author
Peter Midgley
Organization
gTKP
Published in
2008
Submitted by
Peter Midgley, gTKP
Related theme(s)
Urban Mobility
Region
All Regions
Country
International

Urban Mobility Glossary: S

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

S

Sidewalk – US

A path for pedestrians, situated alongside a road.

Slip Road – UK

A short section of road that allows vehicles to enter or exit a motorway.

Smart Growth

An approach to urban planning and transportation that concentrates growth in the centre of a city to avoid urban sprawl; and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighbourhood schools, streets that work for everyone, mixed-use development with a range of housing choices.

Speed Bump – US

A traffic calming tool designed to slow traffic or reduce through traffic comprising a bump in a roadway 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) high, 12 to 14 feet (3.7 to 4.25 m) in length and spanning the width of the road (see also “Speed Hump”)

Speed Cushion

A traffic calming device designed as several small speed humps installed across the width of the road with spaces between them. They are generally installed in a series across a roadway resembling a split speed hump. The design of speed cushions forces cars to slow down as they ride with one or both wheels on the humps. However, the wider axle of emergency vehicles (such as fire engines and ambulances) allows them to straddle the cushions without slowing down or increasing response times. Speed cushions are rapidly growing in popularity due to their ability to slow cars without affecting emergency vehicles.

Speed Hump – UK

A traffic calming tool designed to slow traffic or reduce through traffic comprising a bump in a roadway 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) high and less than 1 foot (30 cm) in length (see also “Speed Bump”)

Speed Table

A traffic calming device designed as a long speed hump with a flat section in the middle. The long, flat design allows cars to pass without slowing as significantly as with speed humps or cushions.

Streetcar – US

A rail based vehicle, lighter than a train, designed for the transport of passengers (and/or, very occasionally, freight) within, close to, or between towns and/or cities, primarily on streets (see also “Light Rail Transit”, “Tram”, or “Trolley”).