HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-26 Public Comment - A. Traxinger - Urgent_ Immediate Action Required for Pedestrian Safety on the West Side From: Aaron Traxinoer
To: Bozeman Public Comment
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Urgent:Immediate Action Required for Pedestrian Safety on the West Side
Date: Saturday,February 28,2026 10:38:27 AM
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To the Bozeman City Commission and Local Authorities,
I am writing to express my deep sorrow regarding the tragic death of the woman who was
struck and killed while crossing Oak Street from the park. This loss is devastating for her
family and for our entire community, and it highlights serious, ongoing safety concerns that
require your immediate action.
I am sending this to echo the urgent calls for change from my fellow community members, but
also to share my own deep frustrations as a long-time resident. Frankly, the west side of
Bozeman feels increasingly overlooked when it comes to traffic safety. As someone who
frequently runs and bikes along these routes, I experience firsthand how dangerous our roads
have become. The traffic conditions are far too forgiving of reckless driving. Stop signs are
routinely ignored, and speed limits are treated as mere suggestions.
Streets like Cottonwood, Stucky, Oak, Laurel Parkway, Durston, and Baxter are built in a way
that accommodates high speeds, and they are being treated accordingly. Laurel Parkway, in
particular, has become a race track. Roundabouts on this street are taken at full speed, and the
newer section south of Durston is frequently driven at speeds far above the posted 25 and 15
mph limits.
There seems to be zero consequence for breaking traffic laws in this town anymore. Twenty
years ago, there was a genuine fear of getting a traffic ticket; today, I rarely see patrols. If the
city lacks the resources to monitor these areas, you should consider empowering the
community—such as providing citizens with a seamless way to submit dashcam footage of
reckless drivers for enforcement.
These are not abstract concerns. This corridor has long presented visibility, speed, and turning
hazards. When known risks are not addressed, it puts all residents in danger. I respectfully
urge the City to take the following steps without delay:
Station a patrol car at the Oak Street crossing for the next several weeks to slow traffic,
enforce the law, and increase driver awareness.
Install flashing pedestrian crossing beacons at each of the crosswalks along this stretch of Oak
Street.
Address the dangerous left-turn conditions that create blind spots and conflict with
pedestrians.
Increase active, visible enforcement of the posted speed limits across the west side corridors.
We owe it to this woman, her family, and everyone who walks or rides in this city to act
decisively so a tragedy like this does not happen again.
Please let the community know what immediate and long-term safety measures will be
implemented to make our roads feel safe again.
Respectfully,
Aaron Traxinger
1070 Saxon way
Bozeman,MT59175