HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-19 Correspondence - C. Mastel (on behalf of BABAB) to Commission - Update from the Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory BoardLtr to CC 100219 – Page 2
Bozeman Area Bicycle
Advisory Board (BABAB)
Office of the
City Commission
City Clerk’s Office
Mayor
Cynthia Andrus
Deputy Mayor
Chris Mehl
Commissioners
Terry Cunningham
Jeff Krauss
I-ho Pomeroy
CITY OF BOZEMAN
121 North Rouse
P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
Phone: (406) 582-2320
Fax: (406) 582-2344
TDD: (406) 582-2301
www.bozeman.net
October 2, 2019
To: City Commissioners
Re: Update from the Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board
Dear Commissioners,
Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board’s purpose is to “recommend safe bicycle practices
throughout Bozeman in regard to enhanced bicycle circulation and design, community-wide
bicycle education and safety programs, and other matters relating to bicycling in the
Bozeman area.” Accordingly, the board respectfully submits this letter as an update on
current board activity as well as a summary of specific recommendations to the City
Commission and also to City Staff.
City CIP
Beginning last fall, BABAB worked collaboratively with a bicycle transportation consultant
that was hired by the City to prioritize CIP projects that improved “bicycle circulation and
design” in Bozeman. The resulting list of projects included easy-to-implement suggestions
for planned construction in the FY2020 season as well as longer-term, larger-scale projects
for the improvement of bicycle infrastructure. We recognize that we will be moving forward
without the consultant. BABAB requests to review these planned infrastructure projects with
city staff prior to the design phase completion in an advisory capacity with respect to
bicycling in Bozeman.
Transportation Engineer Hire
BABAB is excited to work with the newly hired Transportation Engineer, Taylor Lonsdale.
Mr. Lonsdale’s expertise in Civil Engineering and transportation solutions will enhance the
board’s ability to be more engaged with projects and plans at the city level as well as provide
a connection between the board and City Staff.
Winter Maintenance
In January of this year the board requested that Staff consider and bring back consideration
for priority plow routes for bicycle lanes or facilities that are not currently regularly
plowed. Bicycle lanes and facilities that are part of the streetscape network should be
maintained identical to the motor vehicle travel lanes adjacent to them. Staff should work
cooperatively with other jurisdictional agencies to communicate the intent of connectivity in
snowy months of the year so that all mobility types, including ADA assistive devices, have
access to our community’s essential services, places of employment, and downtown area.
BABAB requests to be involved in this planning process to select priority plow routes.
Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan
BABAB participated in and also supports the Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan,
particularly Chapter 5, “Walkable and Accessible.” The board highly recommends that the
City Commission support future planning and development opportunities to better enhance
bicycle facilities such as the Babcock Street two-way cycle track.
Ltr to CC 100219 – Page 2
Bridge Installation
We would also like to plant the seed for thoughts of installing two bridges for bicycle
paths through the new Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve, which would provide
connectivity from Triple Tree all the way to the new Story Mill Park and out to the
“M” and Drinking Horse. This would be a crown jewel in the Main Street to the
Mountains trail system.
On the board’s end, we will continue with our current priorities of:
1. Providing the expected support of assisting the City Commission and Staff with
enhancing bicycle design and programming. 2. Providing more regular, written updates of the board’s activities to the City Commission.
3. Reviewing the existing adopted Complete Streets policy and suggesting enhancements for improvement to the City Commission. 4. Enhancing public outreach and town/gown communication and exchange of ideas
and information with the greater community, including schools and Driver’s Ed classes and bicycle-related organizations.
5. Developing a board work plan to prioritize our focus over the next twelve months.
6. Updating the Bozeman Bicycling Map.
Sincerely,
Candace Mastel, Chair
Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board