Hello, my name is Bernie Paquette, and I live on Browns Trace in Jericho.
We all share a common goal: keeping our community safe.
That goal is rooted in something deeper—our care for one another. And one of the simplest, most effective ways we can express that care is by slowing down when we drive.
Why Slower Speeds Matter
Jericho Center’s posted speed limit is 25 MPH.
That number isn’t arbitrary—it’s a safety requirement, based on research and real-life consequences.
Driving slower:
Protects pedestrians and cyclists
Reduces noise pollution
Minimizes vehicle wear and damage
Creates a calmer, more livable town center
And here’s the truth: Every driver has the power to make a difference—just by easing off the gas pedal.
Speed Humps and Seconds of Time
Some may be concerned about the inconvenience of traffic calming measures like speed humps. But let’s look at the numbers:
Whether the condition of your vehicle or the design of a hump requires you to slow to 20, 15, 10, or even 5 MPH, the delay added to your trip is a matter of seconds.
So we must ask:
Who, in their greed for speed, is unwilling to trade a few seconds for someone’s safety, comfort, and peace of mind?
Final Considerations for Traffic Calming
As Jericho considers traffic calming solutions, we must carefully weigh:
Effectiveness in slowing vehicles
Installation and maintenance costs
Material and design specifications
Lessons learned from nearby communities
(e.g., Burlington, Richmond, and others)
One critical design consideration:
If a driver is comfortable going over a speed hump at 25 MPH, they’ll likely accelerate beyond that after passing it.
We should be cautious of solutions that look effective but may offer diminishing returns in practice.
The Heart of the Matter
The most powerful safety tool we have isn’t made of concrete or rubber.
It’s our shared commitment to one another.
It’s the decisions we make every day behind the wheel—especially when no one’s watching.
Our Path Forward
At the heart of this effort is shared responsibility.
Yes, traffic calming infrastructure plays a role—but it only works when paired with a collective will to drive safer and slower.
Let’s advocate for solutions that change behavior, not just slow traffic for a moment.
Let’s continue building a Jericho where people come first, speed comes second, and care for one another guides every choice we make.
Let's Thank The Jericho Selectboard for committing to finding solutions that will provide us with slower and safer streets.
See the recorded speeds in Jericho.
View Jericho, VT: Our Streets Are Not Slow. Our Streets Are Not Safe.
Spoiler alert: Some are over 70 MPH every day on Browns Trace.
Beautifully stated, Bernie! The following quote is very important: "The most powerful safety tool we have isn’t made of concrete or rubber.
ReplyDeleteIt’s our shared commitment to one another.
It’s the decisions we make every day behind the wheel—especially when no one’s watching." Thanks for articulating that thought. Julia B
At the heart of this effort is shared responsibility.
Yes, traffic calming infrastructure plays a role—but it only works when paired with a collective will to drive safer and slower.
Let’s advocate for solutions that change behavior, not just slow traffic for a moment.
Let’s continue building a Jericho where people come first, speed comes second, and care for one another guides every choice we make.