HomeMy WebLinkAboutGallEP's Proposed Additions to the GBATP Update 08GallEP’s Proposed Additions to the Greater Bozeman Area Plan Update
Let us first explain why we think these changes are justified, using the goals stated in the Greater Bozeman Area
Transportation Plan Update. On page 1-4, the goals listed are (we’re paraphrasing) “functionality; variety of travel options allowing safe, logical and balanced travel”; and that the
plan “support safe neighborhoods.” Furthermore, goal #3, bullet #2, listed on page 1-6 states that the plan “respect and ensure the area’s natural and historic context and minimize
adverse impacts the environment and existing neighborhoods.” As we’ve testified before, the planning boundary for the Update includes areas currently and historically used by equestrian
riders and drivers. They and other non-motorized residents have used the unpaved roads as a trail system. As these roads are paved with no shoulder and no trail, and traffic volumes
and speeds increase, these roads become dangerous to both motorized and non-motorized users. Planning a trail that could accommodate equestrians would keep them off the road and “minimize
adverse impacts” of road “improvements.” Not planning for equestrian access to trails in equestrian neighborhoods is in direct contradiction to all the goals of the plan: “functionality,
safety, variety, respect of historic context and existing neighborhoods.”
With this in mind, we are proposing the following additions:
Page 1-6, #2 (Objectives): “consider equestrian
needs, where appropriate, when planning and designing new roads”
Page 1-6, #2 (Objectives): add to bullet on widened shoulders “/equestrian”
Page 2-76: Add Section 2.3.22 (Existing
Conditions/System Deficiencies): We have supplied photos of equestrians on narrow and dangerous in-area roads. We would also like text something like the following: “There are no
public trail systems in the City of Bozeman or anywhere in the planning boundary that allow for equine rider/driver travel. Historically, equestrians have used the rural road network
of unpaved roads to travel between equestrian facilities, to MSU and to the Fairgrounds. As Bozeman grows, it is becoming increasingly dangerous for them to access these sites.”
Chapter
4: Problem Identification: Make equestrian 4.8, move transit to 4.9: add something like: “The planning boundary for the Update includes areas currently and historically used by equestrian
riders and drivers. They and other non-motorized residents have used the unpaved roads as a trail system. As these roads are paved with no shoulder and no trail, and traffic volumes
and speeds increase, these roads become dangerous to both motorized and non-motorized users. Future improvements need to take into consideration all of these users.”
Chapter 6: 6.1:
Complete Streets: We noticed that the “policy” is now a “guideline,” and that our chances are slim of getting mentioned here. However, by listing users and not including equestrians,
we are by definition not users, which is inaccurate, and could have negative repercussions for us. Our first choice would be to add into the second sentence