Friday Night Cruising Public Comment from Romy Loran Aimee Brunckhorst
From: Romy LeClaire <romyleclaire@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, May 8, 2026 9:56 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Friday Night Cruising
Dear City Council and Mayor Hunter,
My family and I live near Main Street, close to the cruising which takes
place on Friday nights. If anyone who has ever lived in a small town
knows, cruising is a time honored tradition,where young people enjoy
the freedom of showing off their vehicles in the same place as
town parades—downtown. However,the instances of burning rubber,
the screaming, and blaring of amped up music and horns, has increased
dramatically. Last Friday was so raucous, it had a different feel than the
cruising of past years. It felt like it could turn mean quickly—it
felt dangerous.
We managed by putting in our noise cancelling headphones.After a busy
week, on a Friday night,we ignored each other.And I hoped someone
would not get hurt out there. It was not the friendly cruising I remember.
Nor was it the cruising of the Cruise Kalispell which started during Covid.
I would not have felt comfortable walking to and from a restaurant
last Friday. And I worried someone would hit our cars, parked in front of
our home, or that they might simply hit each other or get into a fight.
Extra stop signs along First Avenue East would slow the traffic down, as
well as speed bumps in Courthouse Park.And although expensive,we
need more patrols and tickets for speeding, noise, and open container. I
am not sure if there are additional ordinances which would help—
perhaps you have some ideas. I agree that individuals should be able to
enjoy a Friday night and if they want to cruise, so be it. But families,
children, and those just wanting to go out on a date downtown, should
also be able to enjoy their evening.
Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Romy Loran
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