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The City is now considering a Complete Streets Policy after hearing a slew of public comments Monday night.

City staff will now begin drafting a plan which should make it easier for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities to get around town.

The policy would lay out guidelines for curbs, bike lanes, crosswalks and other non motorized transit amenities.

Bob Shepard told the Commission about an incident in which he was almost run over by a mailman.

"So here we have commercial traffic on a residential street interfering with a bicycle operation on a bike lane. Those are the sorts of things we can improve," Shepard said.

L & C County Health Officer Melanie Reynolds urged the Commission to pass the plan because she says it would help improve health in the county.

"Our staff had been working on education and policy change that helps supports making Helena a more walkable and bikeable community. Our primary focus here is for obesity prevention," Reynolds said.

Jamee Greer told the Commission he doesn't own a car and he wants to see the City adopt a Complete Streets plan.

"I bike and walk everywhere and so I just want you to take that into consideration. There are folks here, professionals here in Helena who are making a decision to not own a car and not participate in something that needlessly pollutes," Greer said.

Of the 15 comments received at the meeting only 1 was in opposition to adding bike paths.

Helena resident Barbara Rush lives on Holter Street and says her road is too dangerous for bicyclists.

Staff will work with the non-motorized traffic advisory council and the climate change task force to draft the plan.

City Staff plans to have a draft policy ready for Commission review and public comment by June of 2011