Speed humps are usually 3 to 4 meters long (with direction of travel) and 7 to 10 centimeters high, differentiating them from shorter "speed bumps" found in other areas. The shape of the speed hump can be parabolic (conical), sinusoidal or circular. They are also tapered on each each closest to the pavement to allow for drainage to not be interrupted. Speed Humps can be placed across a roadway, and are excellent for areas where low speeds are necessary and low noise is not a major concern.

  

Advantages:

• Speed Humps are effective in reducing travel speeds
• Can be fairly inexpensive
• If designed correctly, it can be easy for bicycles to cross

Disadvantages:

• They can increase air pollution & noise
• Larger vehicles, like emergency vehicles and vehicles with a rigid suspension, to reduce their speed and travel slower
• The aesthetics is sometimes undesireable
• Create a "hard ride" for drivers, and can also result in severe pain for some people with skeletal disabilities

Effectiveness:

• For a 3.6 meter hump:
• An average decrease of 2.7 to 2.4 accidents per year (or an 11% decrease), taken from 49 locations
• An reduction in speed from an average of 56 to 43 kilometers per hour (or a 22% decrease), taken from 179 locations
• For a 4.2 meter hump:
• An average decrease of 4.4 to 2.6 accidents per year (or an 41% decrease), taken from 5 locations
• An reduction in speed from an average of 53 to 40 kilometers per hour (or a 23% decrease), taken from 15 locations

  

Alternative Options:

• Lengthening the hump and making the middle a flat section, will be a Speed Table
• Raising the general level of an whole intersection, will be a Raised Intersection
• Turning the entire crosswalk in to a speed hump, will be a Raised Crosswalk