HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-17 BABAB MinutesBozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board (BABAB)
Meeting Notes for April 5, 2017
6-8 p.m. City Shops
BABAB’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.
A. Meeting Called to Order at 6:04PM. In attendance: Linda DuPriest, John Vandelinder,
Lila Fleischman, Christian Black, Candace Mastel, Dillon Warn, Sam Haraldson, Rachel
Rockafellow, Ralph Zimmer, Jason Karp, Tony Lebaron, Chris Long, Jason Delmue, Carson
Taylor
B. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes: Sam motions, Rachel 2nd, unanimous
C. Public Comment: 5 minutes each speaker
Ralph Zimmer asked for a copy of the minutes from previous BABAB meetings
Chris Long was disturbed that Montana Senator Scott Sales would take a negative approach and
attitude toward bicycling, claiming that cyclists are rude. Sales sets bad example for
Montanans, and Chris is afraid people may be more careless around cyclists when a bad
attitude comes from a State Senator. Chris stopped in to say that we are appreciated.
D. Belgrade to Bozeman Corridor Trail (15 minutes, Jason Delmue)
1. Commenting on Corridor Study Recommendations -
The group studying the pathway is now known as the Frontage Pathway Coalition (FPC).
The corridor study still to be published publicly, but possesses positive language for B2B path.
Some stretches of the Frontage Road may have 8 foot shoulders, the corridor study indicates a
separated path is not necessary in those areas.
On April 14th, the draft of the corridor study will be released. April 18th is the public
meeting. Overall, the plan is currently good, so no need for letter writing or anything
immediately. Down the road there might be some obstacles with MDT right-of-way and
accommodations, and Gallatin County participation, but we can deal with those later. 1st order
of business is to check out corridor draft study and send in written comments, and attend the
public meeting. Written comments carry more weight since they are compiled and attached to
the document.
The Frontage Pathway Coalition wants to become a group, a full non-profit, so there
was some discussion as to what that will mean if each sub-entity (BABAB, Collin’s Coalition,
Pedestrian Safety Commission, etc…) becomes part of this nonprofit entity.
There was a question of how should we send support: as a board or as individuals?
BABAB has already sent letter of support for a path, and members attend Coalition meetings.
BABAB can’t become part of coalition unless city commission takes action. Better to be an
advocate of, rather than an official member.
2. Consider Affiliating with Frontage Road Path Advocates
Should BABAB become part of the coalition? We can write a letter of support, but
cannot become a part of the coalition per se.
The city commission might weigh in on the path itself. Board maybe should write a
letter of support of new Coalition, and to the commission in support of the Coalition. City funds
also cannot be used to support bond issues.
Carson Taylor says BABAB may not join the Coalition, but members are free to attend.
Ralph clarified the position of the coalition, the coalition is talking about organizing,
matching funds have offered, so there needs to be a formal group and tax exempt status.
Proposal on the table is that the Frontage Pathway Coalition will be governed by executive
board, provides for other groups, boards, clubs, nonprofits, to become “supporting
organizations.” Each S.O. can appoint two of it’s members to serve as voting members on
executive board. But, the proposal and organization is still in the works, could change. It’s not
an unusual arrangement - other groups have members appointed by other groups as part of it.
It’s in the Coalition’s interest to have other groups be part of the membership, which
would lend more credence. BABAB can only offer support, a city-appointed board cannot
become part of the executive board of a nonprofit without city commission support.
Coalition is looking for support now, rather than after the group forms. After group
forms, BABAB may not be “allowed” to join in. So be it.
Motion to: BABAB authorized a representative to convey comments at april 18th
meeting and written comments later to wit:
1) Thanking MDT for considering path
2) Disagreeing with the idea that 8 foot shoulders would be unneccesary
Jason Delmue proposes, Jason Karp 2nds, unanimous assent
E. Discussion regarding HB267 (Safe Passing) and SB363 and actions desired by BABAB in
response to Legislator’s comments
HB267 Safe Passing Bill - failed. Bill was to clarify existing law, set a definite passing
distance.
SB363 Invasive Aquatic Species - Has passed the senate and is to go to committee in the
house. THere it could be amended to strike the spurious language. Governor can also Veto the
amendment, or just a portion of it. Discussion is that it may behoove the board to take an
official stance whcih could take the form of an Open Letter or Press Release.
Bad press from USA Cyling, national bicycle press has picked up on the story. Biking is at
the forefront because of negative bicycling. Aquatic species bill is a must-pass, but the
amendment is pretty spurious, which makes the amendment a problem. Bill’s sponsor from
Libby apologized for the amendment.
What are the economic impacts of bikes on the state’s economy? We should include
that if we write a letter. The Bill makes Montana look like it is not friendly to bikes. Even if the
amendment is taken out, the damage may already be done to our reputation.
If we crafted a letter to Scott Sales, it should state that biking is a very important
segment of economics. We don’t need the negative publicity, like North Carolina’s disastrous
series of bills. The truth of it is that Bikes DO have a PR problem. Scott Sales hates cyclists
because of what he sees out there.
We object to the tomfoolery of the State Legislature.
Motion that: Sam Haraldson will write Montana House to Opposing the bike
amendment of SB 363, illustrating that, as a point of education, this is what the effects of
passing the bill as-is will be.
Sam proposes, Tony 2nds, unanimous assent.
Motion to: write an open letter to Scott Sales, Governor, Senators, etc. of support for
cycling economy and tourism.
Sam proposes, Tony 2nds, unanimous assent.
F. Old Business (15 minutes)
Regarding Transportation Alternatives Grant - letters have been written from the board
and North 7th.
Rebecca Gleason sent contact information about teaching high school classes.
G. New Business (15 minutes)
1. GVBC Bike Swap is on Saturday, April 15th at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds. All are
encouraged to volunteer and attend.
2. Ales for Trails at MAP Brewing on April 20th at 4:00 p.m., fund raiser for the Copper
City Trails project.
3. League of American Bicyclists League Cycling Instructor (LCI) Class on May 26-28,
deadline for signing up on April 10th.
4. Traffic Skills Course is on April 23rd.
H. Adjourn at 7:36 PM