HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-26z Public Comment - K. Hall - A Letter for the Commission’s Work Session_ Safety Starts with InfrastructureFrom:Kelley Hall
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]A Letter for the Commission’s Work Session: Safety Starts with Infrastructure
Date:Monday, April 13, 2026 5:19:15 PM
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Dear City of Bozeman,
When I think of the most beautiful, vibrant, and fulfilling communities, they are cities
designed for people, not cars. These are communities where walking and biking are
safe, accessible, and encouraged by infrastructure. These are places where local
businesses thrive, where streets feel alive, where parks and public spaces are
prioritized, and where public health and safety are clearly valued.
There are countless examples of cities around the world that are thriving because
public spaces and bike and pedestrian infrastructure are prioritized. Bozeman is not
there yet. Based on how the City of Bozeman allocates its infrastructure funding andthe lack of action that has occurred despite numerous bike and pedestrian fatalities in
the past several years, our home risks becoming more like Billings, an unfortunate
example of poor city planning, resulting in a less livable, less safe, and less healthy
community. Is that what the City of Bozeman is striving for? If so, the currentapproach will achieve just that.
While the City of Bozeman has added bike lanes and pedestrian crossings over the
past 10+ years, most consist of painted lines on existing roadways. I cannotemphasize this enough: paint alone does not create safety. This is evident given the
recent bike and pedestrian fatalities, despite those individuals using the infrastructure
as intended. Does the City of Bozeman feel at all responsible for those deaths due to
the existing, unsafe infrastructure?
It is no secret that infrastructure directly influences behavior. When streets are
designed primarily to move vehicles, drivers behave accordingly, often at higher
speeds and with less awareness of vulnerable cyclists, pedestrians, pets, and evenwildlife. Conversely, when infrastructure is designed to prioritize safety through
protected lanes, traffic calming, and well-designed crossings, behavior shifts and
safety improves. If the City of Bozeman is serious about public safety, they must
move beyond paint and invest in infrastructure that actively protects people.
The following provides three examples of unsafe bike and pedestrian infrastructure in
Bozeman. Although I only provide a few examples, there are numerous across the
City that are similar.
1. The Gallagator Trail crossing at S. Church, relies on hard-to-see paint to guide
and protect trail users. Why are there no flashing beacons or enhanced crossing
protections on S Church to support safe connectivity along the Gallagator Trail,
especially given how often that trail is used and the amount of motor vehicle
traffic volume on the road?
2. Another example is the Path to the M, a heavily used bike and pedestrian route.
Once the pathway reaches the City of Bozeman, there are no clear or safe
connections for bikers and pedestrians to continue into the City.3. There are no bike lanes on Main Street, providing safe access to the downtown
businesses.
Investing in safer bike and pedestrian infrastructure is not just about transportationand vehicle traffic. It is about quality of life. Safer streets encourage more foot traffic,
which directly benefits local businesses and restaurants. They create opportunities for
residents of all ages and abilities to move freely and confidently through the city. They
also contribute to improved public health, reduced traffic congestion, and a strongersense of community. They promote less noisy, less polluted communities with healthy
people who make healthy decisions. The City of Bozeman should be using thriving,
healthy cities to plan and update our infrastructure. Why continue with the status quo
when it is clear it does not promote public health and safety?
I encourage the City of Bozeman to reflect on the kinds of places that inspire you
most and to consider how those qualities can be instilled in Bozeman via our
infrastructure. Prioritizing protected bike lanes, traffic calming measures, slowervehicle speed limits, safer intersections, and more connected pedestrian pathways
would be meaningful steps toward a safer and more vibrant home.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective. As a long-time Bozemancitizen who bikes, walks, and drives, I encourage the City of Bozeman to address our
unsafe infrastructure with a strong sense of urgency before it is too late and too
expensive.
I look forward to seeing the City of Bozeman make our home a better and safer place
in the near future.
Sincerely,
Kelley Hall
kelleyvhall@gmail.com