HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-23 Public Comment - J. Hedges - PRAT PlanFrom:City of Bozeman, MT
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]*NEW SUBMISSION* Public Comment Form
Date:Tuesday, July 25, 2023 4:42:58 PM
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Public Comment Form
Submission #:2590208
IP Address:71.15.210.199
Submission Date:07/25/2023 4:42
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Full Name
Jodi Hedges
Email
jodi.hedges@gmail.com
Phone
(406) 451-1110
Comments
Please see attached
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To_ the Urban Parks and Forestry Board - Google Docs.pdf
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
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To: the Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Concerning: 07/06/2023 Discussion concerning paving the Gallagator Trail
I listened with concern to your discussion of the Gallagator Trail being an “Anchor
Route”, which is also a “Shared Use Path”. It appears that in the PRAT, the definition of such a
path is that it would be paved, lit and plowed. This fact is buried under multiple confusing
cross-references so that it is not clear. The most concerning aspect of this discussion is that
this change may happen to the Galligator/Linear trail without knowledge or approval from the
community.
Paving and plowing this route is wrong for many reasons. The intention with paving is to
grant greater access to the path, by improving safety, comfort and visibility, and this would
encourage more people to commute by bike in the winter. Foremost, I believe folks do not
refrain from commuting by bicycle because of the lack of plowed routes. I don’t bike in the
winter, not because of lack of routes, but because it is COLD. It's uncomfortable to bike with
multiple layers to keep from freezing, and arrive to work sweaty, because of exercise with all
those clothes. There are wide paved streets with bike lanes that can take you anywhere in
town on a bike. Very few people live right on this route. Thus, people have to ride on roads to
access the trail as it is. If the trail is not plowed there are plenty of alternatives. Furthermore, as
it is there are current paved routes that are not plowed in a timely manner. So, even if this trail
is paved, a bike commuter would always have to have an alternative route in mind, in case the
plowing is delayed.
Paving the Galligator would urbanize a natural area. The true beauty of this route is a
peaceful and natural respite that can literally take you from campus to the library. I believe
people love it because it is natural and beautiful, as well as being a currently functional path.
If/when this route is paved, the access of the community to a natural area would be restricted,
rather than broadened. There are better ways to encourage bike commuting than paving a
natural area. Finally, please do not discount the effect of pavement on the ambient temperature.
The primary use of this trail is in the warmer months. As our summers become warmer, use
would be reduced on the linear trail on hot days, especially by walkers, because it would feel
warmer than it currently does.
I’m sure I’m not alone in my thinking, so, in summary, if there will be a decision to pave
the Galliator trail, at the very minimum the community must be able to provide input. I would be
surprised if Bozemanites are anything but firmly against it. Please keep the Gallagator a natural
path rather than a “Shared Use Path”.
Thank you,
Jodi Hedges