Implementing Lethbridge’s Transportation Safety Plan through Innovative Traffic Calming Techniques (TAC Small Municipalities Achievement Award: 2026 Finalists)

The City of Lethbridge’s used practical, data driven traffic calming methods that show clear safety improvements designed for small municipalities. Over two years, average operating speeds on pilot residential corridors dropped from 46.15 km/h to 44.69 km/h, with seven of ten segments slowing down. Upper tail speeding was tracked using the 85th-percentile speed (V85) to identify the highest risk locations. Rotational Speed Feedback Signs achieved about 85% driver compliance, and 13 of 17 sites recorded V85 speeds below the posted limit, showing strong alignment between posted speeds and driver behaviour. Locations showing persistent speeding were tagged for enforcement or quick build traffic calming solutions. Early safety results are encouraging. Total collisions fell from 63 to 53 (16%), and injury collisions dropped from 11 to 6 (45%). The approach also made walking and cycling more comfortable and improved safety around schools. Lethbridge’s integrated model — consistent speed rules, behaviour focused tools, quick build curb extensions, and built in monitoring — supports a plan pilot measure adjust cycle that directs limited funding to places with proven safety gains.

Presenters: Mohammad Ahmed Ali, City of Lethbridge and Muhammad Qasim, City of Lethbridge