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Pace Car Program
What is the Pace Car Program?
The Pace Car Program is a citizen-based effort to reduce speeding on our city streets. This program encourages drivers to take responsibility for the impact their cars have on the roads they use. It attempts to increase driver awareness of the neighborhood, not just the roads through the neighborhoods.
Why do we need a Pace Car Program in Elmhurst?
Traffic concerns about speeding are the most common complaint in Elmhurst, according to city surveys. Ironically, many of the culprits are own our residents. The Pace Car Program addresses the speeding issue by encouraging drivers to take ownership of the problem. “It’s Our Town, Let’s Slow Down!”
What is the purpose of the program?
The Pace Car Program has several purposes, among them are:
To encourage drivers to drive the legal speed limit on city streets
To enhance driver awareness of the neighborhoods and not just the roads through the neighborhoods
To raise awareness of how an individual’s car use impacts the quality of life on other residents’ streets
To encourage drivers to leave early and allow enough travel time to get to their destination, thereby reducing the temptation to speed
To promote courteous habits
To raise awareness that cars share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians
To encourage drivers to consolidate car trips and carpool whenever possible
To encourage people to use other methods of transportation including the bus, bicycles, and walking
How does the program work?
Drivers who want to participate sign a pledge indicating they recognize that using a car has an impact on the quality of other residents' lives. In this pledge, drivers promise to:
Drive the speed limit
Leave early and allow enough travel time to get to their destination, thereby reducing the temptation to speed
Stop to let pedestrians cross and be courteous to others sharing the road
Display a Pace Car sticker and put something in the car to make others laugh
Minimize car use
Can I really make a difference?
Absolutely! It takes only a few drivers to get the ball rolling. However, the more drivers who change their habits, the more pleasant our roads will be. The Pace Car Program highlights all aspects of the Character Counts! Program. For example, driving the speed limit shows commitment to the responsibility and citizenship pillars. Minimizing car use shows commitment to the caring pillar (caring for the environment). Stopping to let pedestrians cross shows commitment to the respect and caring pillars. Being courteous to others sharing the road shows commitment to the fairness and trustworthiness pillars.
Recognizing that we all spend a significant amount of time in our cars, it should be of the utmost importance to make that time as pleasant as possible. Kindness begets kindness, and it is our sincere hope that as people catch on, the new habits will be models for more and more others to follow. Remember, the drivers of other cars are people who share this wonderful community with you. So, the next time you have the urge to take your right-of-way, think again and motion for the other driver to go ahead. You never know, it just might be your neighbor.
How do I Sign-Up?
This program is still in its infancy in Elmhurst. Watch for more information in city mailings and at city events like Elmfest and Cool Cars Under the Stars. If you would like to have information sent to you, if you are interested in volunteering to help, or if you would like to make a donation, send us the your information by clicking on the Contact Us button below, or click on the Sign-Up link.
Page updated on 04/01/2008
