HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-18 Public Comment - L. Newman - Bike Trails ProjectsFrom:Larry Newman
To:Agenda
Subject:Support for TMP Projects SP-11, (Gallagator Trail Paving); BL-21 (Babcock Cycle Track); and BB-2 (Black
Avenue).
Date:Sunday, December 02, 2018 4:13:31 PM
Attachments:Bike Projects-Bozeman.docx
Does Bozeman want to be a city with cars, or a city for cars?
Should Bozeman emulate L.A., Amsterdam, Copenhagen, or Boulder?
Imagine fewer vehicles impeding your car trips? Drivers should support Bozeman’s
2017 Transportation Master Plan’s (TMP) projects to enhance cycling
infrastructure.
Consider several examples:
Copenhagen: The 2017 Annual Bicycle Report confirms that cycling is still the
preferred mode of transport for the inhabitants of Copenhagen. 41 % of all trips to
work and study to/from Copenhagen is by bike and 62 % of Copenhageners choose
to bike to work and study in Copenhagen.
http://www.cycling-embassy.dk/2017/07/04/copenhagen-city-cyclists-facts-
figures-2017/
· Amsterdam: Over 60% of trips are made by bike in the inner city and 40% of
trips are made by bike overall in the greater city area. but the city itself is actually
not at the top in terms of bike-friendliness compared to many smaller Dutch cities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_in_Amsterdam
· Boulder, Colorado: Per the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community
Survey, from 2008 through 2012, for the 52,000 workers, transportation modes
other than driving are common: 10.5 percent biked, 9.2 percent walked, and 8.9
percent took public transit.
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_25765015/census-report-10-5-
boulder-workers-commute-by
Anchorage: 2.2 percent rode bikes to work as their usual means of commuting
Professional urban transportation planners have long realized that cities cannot
build their way out of vehicle traffic congestion. As density increases, unacceptable
resources are devoted to vehicle roadways and parking. Despite differences in
temperatures, rainfall, latitude, and hours of daylight, these cities have common
elements:
“Cycling” infrastructure is used by walkers, runners, students, skiers, and cyclists.
The mode and volume vary with the weather and quality of the path. Smooth, clear,
well-maintained surfaces are heavily used. Such projects should not be sold as
“cycling” projects.
Usage increases as citizens become familiar with the convenience. Keep the faith,
a la “Field of Dreams.”
Usage increases as the network increases. Bozeman’s patchwork linkage and
unpredictable surfaces discourage use, forcing dedicated cyclists to ride with traffic
and others into vehicles.
I cycled in all of these cities. L.A. is downright scary, for me, a veteran cyclist in 26
countries, riding over 6,000 miles in 2018, with the majority in the Bozeman area.
Until you get to the coastal beach dedicated bike path, it’s all cars, broken road
surfaces, trash, and broken glass.
Copenhagen residents told me, “The fastest way to get anywhere in the City is by
bike. Don’t even think about a car, taxi, or bus.” You know it’s acceptable when
you see teenagers hauling friends in a cargo bike.
Amsterdam is great, but the smaller Netherland cities are even better. Between
cities, “Red” routes are the most direct and “Green” routes are more scenic. Imagine
the option.
Boulder paths are an integrated network. You can get anywhere. Bikes, walkers,
children, and seniors share well-maintained, well-signed paths throughout. Snow is
promptly cleared after each snowfall; buckles due to tree roots or erosion are
promptly repaired.
It’s a win-win for drivers—Get as many people as possible out of their cars and
on bicycles so you can speed rapidly to your destination. Please support TMP
Projects SP-11, (Gallagator Trail Paving); BL-21 (Babcock Cycle Track); andBB-2 (Black Avenue).
A thoughtful network of separate paths, roadside bike lanes, and sharrows or shared
roadways such as North Wallace comprise an excellent approach.
Attached in a Word file:
-- Regards,
Larry Newman
1107 South 5th AvenueBozeman, MT 59715
406.522.7220Cell: 406.581.1220