HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-16 Public Comment - K. May - Kagy ReconstructionIn response to the design options for Kagy Blvd., my preference is for expansion to no more
than three lanes and fully integrating an interconnected network of trails, bike lanes, and safe
street crossings.
Numerous studies show that adding capacity, more lanes, to roadways fails to alleviate
congestion for long because it actually increases vehicle miles traveled (Handy, 2015 Increasing
Highway Capacity Unlikely to Relieve Traffic Congestion). Narrower streets with fewer lanes and
features like landscaping (trees), pedestrian crossings, curb bulb outs and roundabouts lead to
slower speeds.
As residents of the Southside, we do not wish to see Kagy became a barrier to downtown and
the University. Due to the amount of pedestrian and bike use on the connecting trails
(especially with the added student population at Stadium View apartments) we see no positive
"livability" outcomes in widening Kagy Blvd. We fully support Chapters 4 (Community Quality)
and 11 (Transportation) of the Bozeman Community Plan, as well as Bozeman's Climate Action
Plan, and hope that the commissioners will consider the recommendations found in these
documents.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kendall May
3009 Erwin Ave