The Bee publishes letters from readers across the Gallatin Valley. Letters are edited for length, never for truth, because we wouldn’t know where to start.

Traffic light timing at Jackrabbit

I have been driving the same stretch from Belgrade to North 19th for twenty-two years. Lately, I have noticed that if I maintain a steady 42 miles per hour, I hit every single red light. If I go 35, I still hit every red light. It seems the lights are synced to ensure we all arrive at our destinations at exactly the same time, regardless of how much gas we use or how annoyed we get. It is a very consistent system, but I do miss the days when I could occasionally get lucky and find a green one.

— Gary Pendergast, Belgrade

The Co-op parking situation

I am writing to express my concern regarding the bicycle racks at the Co-op. Recently, I tried to park my SUV near the entrance, but there were so many high-end mountain bikes locked up that I had to walk an extra thirty feet. We all want to support local, healthy transit, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for those of us who have to transport bulk bags of organic grain and two golden retrievers. Could we perhaps move the bikes to the roof or maybe dig an underground parking garage? It would really help maintain the community vibe.

— Susan Starlight-Miller, Bozeman

Too much wind lately

People keep telling me that living in Livingston means accepting the wind, but I’ve lived here since 1994 and this year feels different. My neighbor’s trampoline ended up in my north pasture again last Tuesday. It is a nice trampoline, and I would be happy to return it, but I’m worried that if I move it, the wind will just bring it back to me by dinner. I suppose it is just part of the local ecosystem. I’ve started weighing down my porch furniture with sacks of cement, but the wind keeps blowing the dust off them.

— Dale Hatcher, Livingston