HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-21 Public Comment - D. Strigenz - Alder Creek & Morning Star Elementary CrossingFrom:dierdre ...
To:Agenda
Cc:jvandeliner@bozeman.net; Jeff Mihelich; casey.bertram@bsd7.org
Subject:Quick Safety Fix for Pedestrian Traffic to Morning Star Elementary
Date:Friday, September 10, 2021 1:56:14 PM
Attachments:School Intersection.pdf
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Good afternoon!
I am attaching a letter making a case for better signage and a blinking beacon at a busy intersection
between Alder Creek and Morning Star Elementary School. Thank you for your consideration! Please
let me know if you need additional information.
-Dierdre Strigenz
1
City Commission of Bozeman
21 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
September 10, 2021
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to make a plea for pedestrian signs and lights at McNab and Graf Streets between the Alder
Creek neighborhood and Morning Star Elementary School.
Each weekday morning, I witness over 100 kids and family members crossing this intersection to make
their way to Morning Star Elementary School. Oftentimes, young kids are unaccompanied by adults. Graf
Street has seen a significant increase in traffic the past few years. It is not uncommon to see cars
traveling down Graf Street screeching to a halt when they realize a small child has made their way into
the crosswalk. The scenario is most common in the winter when the roads are icy and visibility is
compromised. This is not your average crosswalk. It is a particularly well trafficked pedestrian zone
before and after school hours that accommodates dozens and dozens of little kids. I would be so
grateful if you would consider installing something as simple as a solar powered beacon and sign with a
push button to protect these families (examples included at the end of the letter).
Furthermore, when the Graf Street extension was constructed, it cut through the Mountains to Main
Street bike path on that block, and bike path traffic is now diverted to the crosswalk I am referring to. I
believe that this signage and flashing-beacon system would provide continuity and safety to that
important community system as well.
We all value the ability to walk and ride bikes in our Bozeman communities. With increasing traffic,
especially in our growing southside neighborhoods near Alder Creek, I want to do everything I can to
preserve and promote this value. In the long run, by optimizing pedestrian safety, residents will continue
to choose non-motorized transport, keeping more cars off the road and reducing congestion.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to better advocate for what I believe is an imperative
safety upgrade. I am attaching a map that illustrates the intersection of concern as well as photographs
with ideas for signage. I am concerned that it is only a matter of time before we have an accident that
makes us wish we had done this sooner.
Thank you for your consideration and all that you do for our communities!
- Dierdre Strigenz
2
Morning Star
Elementary School
Intersection of concern