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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-22 Public Comment - C. Baumbauer - running stop signs and lightsFrom:David and Cathy Baumbauer To:Agenda Subject:running stop signs and lights Date:Monday, October 24, 2022 2:14:55 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City of Bozeman officials, It's heartbreaking that Kelly Fulton had to die in order for the issue of drivers running red lights and stop signs to reach your attention. Not stopping is, and has been, a common occurrence in Bozeman for many years, and has only gotten worse as the population and visitation increases. I read your suggestions for change in the October 20 Chronicle and while I appreciate your willingness to work on bicycle and pedestrian safety, not one of those suggestions actually addresses the real problem -- vehicles need to stop at red lights and stop signs. When a bicyclist crosses an intersection they trust that all vehicles will stop at the red light or stop sign. If there is a collision between a vehicle and a cyclist, the cyclist will always lose. Wearing a bike helmet will not protect your body from injury caused by the mass and force of a vehicle moving at any speed. We need a quick, strong enforcement campaign to reign in the sloppy and aggressive driving habits that have become accepted in town. Education for drivers and cyclists is fine but will not stop vehicles at intersections. Bozeman is now large enough to warrant an Urban Transit District for the bus service, so perhaps it's also time for aTraffic Unit in our Police Department. I have lived and cycled in Bozeman for over 35 years, and I deeply hope we find some solutions soon. Cathy Baumbauer 1201 S. Bozeman Ave (406) 209-4553cdbaumbauer@gmail.com