HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-22 Public Comment - C. Herrick - October 18, 2022 City Commission Meeting commentsFrom:Crowell H
To:Agenda
Subject:October 18, 2022 City Commission meeting; comments
Date:Wednesday, October 26, 2022 2:20:25 PM
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I watched the October 18, 2022 City Commission meeting where individuals had the
opportunity to speak about bicycle safety as result of the recent 2 bicycle fatalities. I too wassaddened by these. The impact is far greater to the victim’s family and surrounding
community than the motorist. A life was taken leaving a void and a great deal of sorrow. Iwould like to add my comments about this issue (bicycle safety) which I hope provides
constructive input to prevent additional fatalities.
First, a little about myself. I ride exclusively road bikes and gravel bikes. I typically ride about4000 miles per year, most between June and October, but also put in miles every month of the
year. I have participated in a self-supported (no support vehicle) race across the country andother ultra distance events in Montana, Idaho, Utah and Minnesota. As the organizer of a 900
mile ultra event around SW and Central Montana, 58% of which is on paved roads andhighways, I’ve ridden many roads and highways in western Montana. I’ve tried to choose the
safest route by considering the traffic volumes. Ultimately it’s up to the competitors to decidewhat their comfort level is.
When I ride here in Gallatin County I choose my route based on traffic volume and shoulder
width. Time of day can have an impact on my decision as well. Based on my ride location, Itry to choose low volume city streets, not necessarily ones with traffic controls, to get to the
outlying roads.
There is a mutual agreement amongst everyone using the roads to be responsible to oneanother. I put a great deal of faith in this when I ride my bike on Bozeman’s streets and the
roads of Montana. When riding in town it is important to maintain situational awareness. Todate, I’ve never had a serious encounter in Bozeman, however one time I was passed very
closely by a vehicle but not at excessive speed. I believe he was sending a message I shouldn’thave been on the road. On another occasion, on the new portion of Manley Rd. a driver rolled
down the window and yelled at me and after my response “I have a right to be on the road”, heveered into the bike lane in front of me. It was at a distance so he wasn’t attempting to run me
off the road, but again, sending a message. I know who the individual is because of his vanityplate, and see him frequently, but haven’t had another encounter. If he acts inappropriately
again I will report his behavior.
I’m in total agreement with the individuals who commented on the poor driving behaviortaking place in Bozeman. I consistently see people running red lights, driving well above the
posted speed limits, and, texting and talking on mobile devices. When I’m on my bike I’meven more cautious around intersections because it’s sometimes hard to gauge how many
more cars are coming through after the light has changed, or whether a vehicle will yield if Ihave the right of way.
I believe reducing the speed limit, as mentioned during the meeting, won’t change a driver’s
behavior for running a red light. You might get a few more to stop but many will continue
because this is what they have done before. No doubt the increased traffic and frustration ofcongestion fuels the “aggressive” action to cast traffic laws aside. I also feel that if the
Bozeman PD isn’t enforcing the current speed limits, what will change if they are lowered? Atany speed a cyclist doesn’t stand a chance against a 2-ton, or more, vehicle.
One individual mentioned installing physically separated bike lanes. This is clearly the best
option but it’s obviously cost prohibitive in many cases. Consequently, well maintained,clearly marked bike lanes would work. Bike paths would work as well but they may be
preferentially used. I would use ones that have a limited number of intersections and crossings.The new ones on Manley and Griffin don’t work for me but may be well suited to the
recreational or commuter cyclist.
I’d like to comment on the installation of roundabouts. These may not necessarily be the bestoption for bicycle safety at intersections since they put the bicycles in the same lane as
vehicles. Personally, as a vehicle operator, I think they are great. As a cyclist, I use them as Iwould a vehicle, however I need to be keenly aware of the overtaking and approaching traffic.
I can typically go through one at nearly the same rate as a vehicle. Roundabouts may beproblematic for the more recreational or inexperienced rider because they won’t want to merge
into the traffic lane. Therefore, they would have to use the pedestrian crossing option and planaccordingly to access it. Of the two designs in Bozeman, Oak/Davis and Durston/Ferguson,
the former would be quite challenging to anyone other than an accomplished cyclist.
Bozeman has designated bike routes in town and many of these are on the less traveled streets.There are signs on these routes however I recently rode a few segments and found adequate
signage lacking in places. There is some disconnect, one in particular is where S. 8th ends at
Main St where there is no signage. There should at least be signs, with arrows, on 8th at Koch
to indicate it is a bike route. Perhaps the Bicycle Advisory Board should perform a moreextensive review of the routes and signage. Additional information should be included with
the route signs to indicate the distance to certain destinations (Downtown, MSU, MoR, TheMall, Parks, The M, etc.) from specific intersections. I think this would help potential cyclists
know where and how far locations are.
The map on the City of Bozeman website is informative but it could be better. There should bemore promotion and encouragement to use bicycles as a viable mode of transportation.
Currently, when someone wants to find out what the colored lines mean on the map they mustcall up the legend which overlays on top of the map. Also, bike lanes are interpreted to mean
both a designated bikeway on the street as well as shoulders on the road. In some cases the fogline separating the shoulder from the traffic lane isn’t present or clear. I have noticed the
bicycle icons painted on the pavement in many places are nearly gone from wear. This is amaintenance issue which would help to identify where vehicles should be on the road.
There are some streets which I either will not ride on at any time or make use of the street as a
regular route to travel around town. Riding on Main Street is a hard NO for me. It’s got far toomuch traffic and there is the risk of being doored if one were to try to stay out of the traffic
lane. I also avoid Babcock and Mendenhall in the downtown area with the exception of using
a 2-3 block stretch. I see that Mendenhall from Rouse to 11th is identified as a bike route on
the city map. I recommend removing that designation.
I’m all for providing more educational opportunities for bicycle safety. The City couldpromote the bike routes and paths in town by offering group rides where at the same time
bicyclists could learn the laws applicable to riding on the roadway and also how to be moreattentive while riding. Printed materials are good but only those who are genuinely interested
will read them. I recommend creating a greater awareness of the benefits of cycling in the Cityon the website. There are several community bicycling events (GVBC Bike Week, GVBC
bike sale) in Bozeman which the City could get involved in. How about working with GVLTand the local bike shops as well? Some of the local bike shops have evening rides. Maybe
there is a way for them to join up with the City to have new rider rides.
I’d like to point out there is a trend towards more e-bikes being operated on Bozeman streets.They offer a new challenge for law enforcement since these bikes are generally faster than a
strictly human powered bike and not as maneuverable. E-bikes are a way for individuals whodon’t want to or can’t put in the effort to ride a traditional bike. Some may be relatively new to
“cycling” and therefore may not have good cycling skills. The realization they are operatingon the road and must adhere to the same laws as a car may not be completely understood.
Thank you very much for expressing my feelings and views. I hope I don’t have to read more
stories about unfortunate bicycle-car accidents.
Crowell Herrick401 N. Black Ave
Bozeman