Let's make our roads safe for everyone

September came to a tragic close with one bicyclist and three pedestrians hit and killed by motorists on our Montana roadways.  

These are very sad events and should make each one of us stop and ask, “Why are these happening? What can we do to keep this from happening?”

One opinion that I continue to hear is the need for more education. Educating bicyclists and pedestrians on how to follow the rules of the road.

Education, education, education.

I agree education is important for everyone on the roadway — bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike. However, in at least two, and maybe even all four of these incidents, the victim was doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing.

So, now what?  Maybe education is good, and we can definitely use more education, but maybe it’s not enough.

Unfortunately, it seems that our culture has become very auto-centric. Many motorists believe the roads are for them and them alone.  But, shouldn’t each and every one of our streets and roadways be safe for people to walk, ride a bicycle and drive a vehicle?  

Roadways are still being constructed or reconstructed to accommodate only motorists. They don’t always include sidewalks, bicycle lanes or wide shoulders where they should. If they do, oftentimes just the minimum requirements are met to save money instead of trying to make the roadway as safe as possible for every user.  

I’ve heard that this is partially due to not enough money. But, shouldn’t we be making the best possible investment with the money we do have to ensure our roadways are safe?

Whatever happened to quality over quantity?  Sidewalk variances are being granted across the state because sidewalks cost too much.  

What about the child who now has to walk in the roadway because there is no sidewalk leading to their school?  

Busy roadways are being created with little or no shoulders or bike lanes because they cost too much.  What about the bicycle commuter who now has to ride in the fast traffic lane just to get to work?  

Is it worth it to minimize when it could result in death?

Accounting for safe travel for all users, bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and motorists should be a high priority in every roadway project. In reality, it will still be a lifetime or two before many of our roadways can be improved.  

In the meantime, it is imperative that all motorists look for and safely share the roadway with people who walk or bike.  

Look for people crossing the street and yield to everyone on foot at every intersection, whether there’s a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Give plenty of room when passing someone riding a bicycle.  

Keep in mind, that person is someone’s son, daughter, sister, brother, mother, father, husband, wife. So, let’s all work together to keep everyone safe.

(Melinda Barnes is executive director of Bike Walk Montana.)