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Naperville's Friendly Streets Program
Naperville strives to calm traffic using the Three E approach. Neighborhoods partner with the city to identify traffic concerns and implement solutions in three phases – Education, Enforcement and Engineering. Many times education efforts are enough to achieve neighborhood traffic goals. If education efforts prove to be insufficient, it is time to move to the enforcement phase. Neighborhoods may concern engineering options once enforcement techniques are exhausted.
Education
This is the key to the Friendly Streets program. Education builds awareness of residents and visitors about ways that they can help reduce traffic issues and related safety concerns. This is done by advising motorists to drive slower in residential areas, encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation and educating residents on the availability of other modes of transportation. Additional educational programs include the placement of SMART trailers, the implementation of the Pace Car Program and/or Neighborhood Speed Pledge, the use of yard signs and other techniques.
Enforcement
Reinforces what has been learned. Enforcement enlists the assistance of the Naperville Police Department to help increase motorist awareness of speeding and the related safety concerns speeding causes. Fines for speeding and directed police enforcement of traffic control devices (signs, lights, medians) help drive home the message. Speeding in neighborhoods is a nuisance and a danger to our residents. Those who break the rules will face the consequences.
Engineering
Engineering measures address the most difficult problems. Engineering includes the application of a variety of traffic calming measures that may reduce speed, decrease traffic volume, and improve safety. Engineering measures consider traffic diversion techniques, oftentimes requiring physical construction or major geometric changes to the roadway. Examples of engineering solutions include painted parking boxes; medians; the addition of bike lanes to narrow the street; and the installation of curb extensions or center islands.
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