Why Does Bozeman Suddenly Hate Pedestrians?

There are new dangers to living in Bozeman, but I didn't think crossing the street was going to be one of them. Growth, traffic, congestion, construction, lack of visibility, and lack of patience - all seem to be contributing to Bozeman's declining tolerance for pedestrians.

How did we get here? Seriously, someone is going to get killed in downtown just by crossing the street. Like it or not, when they're using crosswalks and following signals (if there are any), pedestrians have the right of way.

Ironically, the City of Bozeman has spent an incredible amount of time, money, and effort to improve intersection safety for pedestrians in recent years. In addition, Downtown, North 7th, the MSU campus, and now North 19th have all seen major upgrades to lights and crosswalks.

Bozeman's Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) Plan

All of those entities spending all of that time and money doesn't seem to matter - because Bozeman drivers are in too big a hurry, or simply don't care.

I work downtown with a window facing an intersection on Mendenhall. Every morning I witness people trying to cross the street and at least a few cars simply fly by instead of stopping as they are supposed to.

Heaven forbid you do stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, you're likely to have an angry driver behind you ride your bumper for the next 4 blocks just to be a jerk. You delayed their journey somehow, by doing what you are supposed to do - stop and let a person cross.

Don't get me started on speeding in school zones in Bozeman. It's a related topic, but it's own monster problem around here. Apparently we love to speed, and we don't want nuthin' slowin' us down.

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"While the law assigns pedestrians the right of way, it does not dismiss pedestrians of using due care for their own safety." (Montana Department of Transportation)

So why does this chronic "screw pedestrians" attitude exist here now? It's far worse than it's ever been, and again - someone is going to get killed if we don't get our act together and have a little patience.