HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-26z Public Comment - J. Adams - Safe routes for allFrom:Jenn Adams
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Safe routes for all
Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 4:17:10 PM
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Hello,
I am a Bozeman resident, parent and volunteer cycling coach.
I am writing to share three important points regarding pedestrian and cyclist rights and accesswith our roadways.
First, Bozeman is a town where the majority of residents have means and resources to allow
for travel options. This affords us the luxury of choice. For our trips around town we can beselective with how we get from A to B. Understand that if routes feel unsafe for walking or
biking, we won’t forgo our plans. Rather, we elect to drive and create additional cars on roads.None of us like traffic but the reality is, we (vehicle operators) ARE traffic. Reducing car
trips, reduces traffic.
Second, double that car trip count for parents. If our children don’t have a safe route to walk orbike to their location, parents drive them. The trip tally is doubled because we drop them off at
their destination and then drive back home. Then, we drive to pick them up and drive backhome. When we rob kids of the opportunity to travel independently and safely, we suffer
numerous consequences. The easiest data point to track is the correlated increased cars on theroad.
Finally, as per city ordinance, unposted and unmarked speed limits for neighborhoods and
residential areas is 25 MPH. This is unsafe and borderline absurd. Research shows what wealready know - cars regularly drive 5-10 mph over the posted limit. As per studies by IIHS,
‘At an impact speed of 20 mph, there’s an 18% risk that a struck pedestrian will be
severely injured. At 30 mph, that risk increases to 50%. At 40 mph, it rises to 81%.’
Study link: https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/vehicle-height-compounds-dangers-of-speed-for-pedestrians
Slower speeds are essential if we want to make our neighborhoods safer. We must
put the obligation on the driver of the vehicle to allow for the safety of pedestrians.
Pedestrians are citizens who make our community vibrant, reduce car traffic and
deserve protection.
Thank you for your consideration and continued commitment to our community.
Instead of telling us that pedestrians are important and valuable, show us - by
prioritizing us in your budget.
Respectfully,
Jenn Adams
1220 S Bozeman Avenue