Public comment is being sought for ways to make the Lakeside and Somers area safer for pedestrians.

One way this is happening is through the Safe Routes to Schools grant given to Lakeside Elementary School from the Montana Department of Transportation. The grant is for encouraging and educating children and families on ways to safely enjoy more activities outdoors.

This includes an engineered study for the area within two miles of the school for safer pedestrian and bicycle travel. The grant also requires a plan for enforcement and evaluation.

The bigger vision for this plan is to have Lakeside and Somers connected off the highway for safer travel for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Those with ideas or suggestions for ways to give the west shore safer routes and become a more walkable/bike-able community can contact Johanna Bangeman, liason between the Safe Routes to Schools grant and the community, at 844-3954 or email traillink@yahoo.com.