HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-04 Pohl letter of support Front Street Path February 4, 2020
City of Bozeman Trails, Open Space, and Parks Committee Dear TOP Committee, I write to express my support for the Front Street Path project because it will significantly increase bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity in Bozeman. I live in northwest Bozeman with my husband and two elementary-aged daughters. We use the Oak Street
path to bicycle into the Bozeman core and access Story Mill Community Park, downtown, and businesses at the Cannery. Without the Front Street Path, we are forced to bicycle through the Fairgrounds or along Rouse—without sidewalks or dedicated bicycle facilities. This can feel unsafe and deters us from more
frequently using bikes to access downtown and Story Mill Community Park. If completed, the Front Street Path--combined with the Oak Street Path, Story Mill Spur Trail, and Path to
the M—will make it possible to traverse Bozeman west-to-east entirely on dedicated trails. Access to safe, connected trails is clearly good for families like mine and helps sustain the high quality of life in Bozeman. But the benefits extend to our entire community in many ways. Studies show that in addition to reducing carbon emissions, trails are good for our health and our economy. For example:
• People who regularly bike have significantly lower risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease.1
• Use of trails boosts self-esteem and mood.2
• Property values are 5-10% higher near paths3
• People spend more time4 and money5 at local businesses when they arrive by trail.
Studies also show if you build better bike facilities, more people will use them, and dedicated facilities (not just bike lanes or sidewalks) are preferred by users of all ages and abilities.6 Closing the gaps in our trail system—as the Front Street Path will do—will make biking and walking a safe, viable option for more people. This is a wise investment for our community health, our businesses and economy, and for our environment, and is entirely aligned with the goals of the TOP bond approved by voters. I urge you to fully fund the Front Street Path project. Yours sincerely,
Kelly Pohl 860 Rogers Way Bozeman, MT 59718
References Cited
1 Celis-Morales Carlos A, Lyall Donald M, Welsh Paul, Anderson Jana, Steell Lewis, Guo Yibing et al. Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: prospective cohort study BMJ 2017; 357 :j1456 https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1456
2 Barton, J., and J. Pretty. 2010. “What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis.” Environmental Science and Technology 44(10): 3947-3955. http://headwaterseconomics.org/wp-content/uploads/Trail_Study_94-UK-Benefits-Green-Exercise.pdf
3 Headwaters Economics. 2016. Measuring Trail Benefits: Property Value. https://headwaterseconomics.org/wp-
content/uploads/trails-library-property-value-overview.pdf
4 Drennen, E. 2004. Economic effects of traffic calming on urban small businesses. Bike Walk Conference Proceedings. http://www.bikewalk.org/2004conference/sessions/28_Business_calm/TrafficCalming_summary.pdf
5 Clifton, K.J., S. Morrissey, and C. Ritter. 2012. Business Cycles: Catering to the bicycling market. TR News. http://kellyjclifton.com/Research/EconImpactsofBicycling/TRN_280_CliftonMorrissey&Ritter_pp26-32.pdf
6 Misra, Aditi & Watkins, Kari & Dantecc, C.A. (2015). Socio-demographic Influence on Rider Type Self
Classification with respect to Bicycling. Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.Paper 15-5860. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301866355_Socio-demographic_Influence_on_Rider_Type_Self_Classification_with_respect_to_Bicycling