Revving Up the Debate: Can Kalispell's Main Street Cruising Be Saved?
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the roar of a classic car engine on a Friday night. For many, it’s a throwback to a simpler time—a celebration of Americana, of chrome and horsepower. But in Kalispell, Montana, this cherished tradition has hit a speed bump. What was once a family-friendly showcase of vintage cars has devolved into a spectacle of reckless driving, leaving residents, businesses, and even some car enthusiasts frustrated. The question now is: Can cruising on Main Street be rescued from its own worst elements?
The Clash of Cultures on Main Street
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way it pits tradition against disruption. On one side, you have the Downtown Forward Coalition, a group that’s not just tolerating cruising but actively trying to restore it to its former glory. Lorraine Clarno, president of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, puts it bluntly: ‘We don’t want to stop cruising. We want it to be safe, family-oriented, and not harm businesses.’ This isn’t just about cars; it’s about preserving a cultural touchstone.
On the other side, you have the reckless drivers—the ones rolling coal, doing burnouts, and treating Main Street like their personal drag strip. These aren’t car enthusiasts; they’re thrill-seekers hijacking a tradition. Personally, I think this is where the real tension lies. Cruising isn’t inherently problematic; it’s the behavior of a few that’s tarnishing the whole experience.
The Human Side of the Story
One thing that immediately stands out is the emotional investment people have in this issue. Take Jodie Cross, a real estate agent and cruising advocate, who argues that cruising keeps kids off the streets and out of trouble. ‘I’d rather have them dumping money into a piece of crap Ford than into drugs and alcohol,’ she says. It’s a compelling argument, one that highlights the social value of cruising beyond just the cars.
But then there’s Joseph Biby, a resident who’s had enough of the noise and chaos. ‘It’s no longer about vintage cars and apple pie,’ he laments. ‘It’s about speeding and reckless driving.’ His frustration is palpable, and it’s a reminder that traditions, no matter how beloved, can’t come at the expense of a community’s peace of mind.
The Police Presence: A Band-Aid Solution?
The Kalispell Police Department has ramped up patrols, with three to four officers monitoring Main Street on Friday nights. Police Chief Jordan Venezio sums it up well: ‘We don’t want to stop cruising, but we can’t ignore the reckless driving.’ It’s a delicate balance, and one that feels like a temporary fix.
From my perspective, increased police presence is necessary but not sufficient. It addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. What’s really needed is a cultural shift—a way to reclaim cruising from the bad actors and restore it to its original spirit.
The Drag Strip Proposal: A Game-Changer?
Jodie Cross’s suggestion of building a sanctioned drag strip is intriguing. It’s a bold idea, one that could redirect reckless behavior away from Main Street and into a controlled environment. Anaconda’s public drag strip is a potential model, but it raises questions about cost, logistics, and community buy-in.
What this really suggests is that Kalispell might need to think outside the box. Cruising isn’t going away, but it can’t continue in its current form. A drag strip could be part of the solution, but it’s not a silver bullet. It’s about creating alternatives while enforcing boundaries.
The Role of Community Leadership
What many people don’t realize is how much this issue reflects broader challenges in community governance. The City Council’s decision to abandon efforts to change city code last October feels like a missed opportunity. Resident Joseph Biby calls it a ‘systemic failure,’ and it’s hard to disagree.
Councilors like Jed Fisher and Kyle Waterman are clearly passionate about cruising, but their support feels conditional. Fisher wants to see laws enforced, while Waterman acknowledges the problem is a small group of bad actors. But if you take a step back and think about it, their responses feel reactive rather than proactive.
The Broader Implications: Tradition vs. Progress
This raises a deeper question: How do communities balance tradition with progress? Cruising is a piece of Kalispell’s identity, but it’s also a relic of a bygone era. As cities evolve, so must their traditions. What worked decades ago might not work today, especially when it comes at the expense of residents and businesses.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this issue mirrors debates happening across America. From car culture to public spaces, communities are grappling with how to honor the past while building for the future. Kalispell’s struggle isn’t unique, but it’s a microcosm of a larger conversation.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Collaboration
In my opinion, the solution lies in collaboration. The Downtown Forward Coalition is on the right track by engaging with cruising enthusiasts, but it’s just the beginning. Residents, businesses, law enforcement, and city leaders need to come together to redefine what cruising means for Kalispell.
Personally, I think the key is to focus on what cruising could be rather than what it has become. It’s about celebrating classic cars, fostering community, and creating a safe, inclusive space for everyone. If Kalispell can pull that off, it won’t just save cruising—it’ll set an example for other towns facing similar challenges.
Final Thoughts
As someone who appreciates both tradition and progress, I’m rooting for Kalispell. Cruising is more than just cars; it’s a symbol of community, identity, and shared history. But symbols evolve, and so must we. The question isn’t whether cruising can survive—it’s whether it can thrive in a way that works for everyone.
What this really suggests is that the future of cruising isn’t just about cars; it’s about people. And if Kalispell can put people first, it might just find a way to rev up its tradition without running off the road.
