Helena bikers and walkers may get an advocate in the City-County Building, although Lewis and Clark County commissioners said they're reluctant to sign on to the idea.

Helena City Commissioner Paul Cartwright proposed the new staff position, as part of a Greater Area Transportation Plan update.

Cartwright said a "mobility coordinator" could be used to help kids find a way to school and to ease neighborhood traffic problems. Funding could be obtained from state, county, city and grant sources, he said.

But county commissioners said while they support nonmotorized transport, they balked at the plan's specific recommendation. Commission Chairman Ed Tinsley said he didn't want his "feet held to the fire" come budgeting time.

Commissioner Mike Murray said the county has a hard time taking care of the roads it has now. Developers know that pedestrian amenities are important to the commission, he said. But dangerous routes, like Birdseye Road, need to be reconstructed for both cars and pedestrians, before money is spent on a new employee, he said.

Murray said he doesn't see a "tax on bicycles" or a "tax on sneakers" to pay for a staff position, like gas taxes pay for road improvements. Mayor Jim Smith said he has suggested an adult bicycle license fee.

Smith, Cartwright and Commissioner Sandy Oitzinger supported the new position. The county commission supported somewhat diluted language.

Cartwright said he wants to find a way to fund the position without dipping into general city funds. The position could cost around $40,000 annually.

The city and county previously shared a transportation coordinator position, who formerly handled some bike and pedestrian issues. But city engineer Ryan Leland said that job was vacated and turned into an engineering department position.