Lifestyle

Cycling and Walking in Big Sky Country – The Road to a More Accessible Montana

Cycling and Walking in Big Sky Country - The Road to a More Accessible Montana

Montana is a big place, and most people rely on cars to get around. In the past, it hasn’t been easy for people who prefer walking or biking, as there weren’t many sidewalks or bike lanes. However, things are changing. Cities like Missoula are adding more trails, and the state is investing in new bike lanes and sidewalks to make it safer and easier for people to walk or cycle. These efforts are helping connect communities and provide better options for getting around without a car.

  • Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in rural regions where long distances and limited infrastructure pose significant barriers.
  • Let’s explore Montana’s progress, the obstacles it faces, and what the future holds for making the state more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.

The Evolution of Montana’s Pedestrian and Bike Infrastructure

Montana’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure has seen significant advancements in recent years, reflecting a growing commitment to multimodal transportation. The Montana Department of Transportation developed the state’s first Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, finalized in May 2019, to establish a consistent approach for integrating these modes into the transportation system. This plan emphasizes safety, accessibility, and the promotion of walking and biking as viable transportation options.

Urban centers like Missoula have been at the forefront of this evolution.

Missoula boasts an extensive trail system exceeding 22 miles, connecting downtown with surrounding neighborhoods, the University of Montana, and various parks.

Key components include the Riverfront trails along the Clark Fork River and the Milwaukee Trail, which follows a former railroad corridor.

These developments have transformed Missoula into a model for pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly urban planning.

Statewide, funding mechanisms have been established to support the maintenance and development of pedestrian and bicycle paths. In 2017, the Montana Legislature introduced a $5 opt-in fee for motor vehicle registrations, allocating 80% of the collected funds for path maintenance and 20% for education initiatives. As of February 2024, this program has accumulated a total of $158,740, averaging approximately $2,000 per month. These funds are instrumental in sustaining existing infrastructure and supporting educational programs that promote safe walking and biking practices.

Urban vs. Rural – Bridging the Accessibility Gap

Montana’s vast geography presents distinct challenges in developing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, with notable disparities between urban and rural areas. Urban centers like Missoula have made significant strides, implementing extensive networks of sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths to promote active transportation.

In contrast, rural communities often face obstacles such as greater distances between destinations, limited funding, and lower population densities, which can hinder the development and maintenance of similar infrastructure. Unfortunately, where infrastructure is lacking, cyclists are at greater risk of accidents, often requiring legal assistance from a bicycle accident attorney to navigate injury claims and liability issues.

  • To bridge this accessibility gap, Montana has leveraged federal programs like the Transportation Alternatives Program, which funds projects including pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
  • The TA Program requires a balanced distribution of funds.
  • Allocating 25% to areas with populations under 5,000 and another 25% to areas with populations over 5,000, ensuring that both rural and urban communities benefit.
  • This approach aims to enhance connectivity and safety for non-motorized users across the state.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist in rural areas, where long travel distances and limited resources can impede the implementation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Innovative solutions, such as multi-use paths that connect key destinations, are being explored to overcome these barriers. Continued collaboration between state agencies, local governments, and community stakeholders is essential to develop context-sensitive strategies that address the unique needs of both urban and rural populations, ultimately promoting equitable access to active transportation options throughout Montana.

Statewide Policies and Funding for Walkability and Cycling

Montana has implemented several statewide policies and funding mechanisms to enhance walkability and cycling infrastructure. The MDT developed the state’s inaugural Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, finalized in May 2019, to establish a consistent approach for integrating pedestrian and bicycle modes into the transportation system. This plan emphasizes safety, accessibility, and the promotion of walking and biking as viable transportation options.

Statewide Policies and Funding for Walkability and Cycling

Funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in Montana primarily comes from federal sources, including the Transportation Alternatives program. The TA program funds projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, with a balanced distribution of funds: 25% allocated to areas with populations under 5,000 and another 25% to areas with populations over 5,000, ensuring that both rural and urban communities benefit.

The Future of Walkability in Montana

Montana is actively pursuing initiatives to enhance walkability and cycling infrastructure, aiming to create safer and more accessible environments for all residents. The state’s 2019 Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan outlines a 20-year strategy focusing on reducing fatalities, promoting safe travel, preserving infrastructure, improving mobility, and supporting walking and biking as essential transportation modes. This comprehensive approach reflects Montana’s commitment to integrating non-motorized transportation into its overall transportation system.

  • In urban areas, cities like Billings are developing master plans to advance pedestrian and bicycle safety and convenience.
  • The 2024 Billings Area Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan identifies needs and opportunities for infrastructure improvements.
  • Aiming to create a more connected and user-friendly network for non-motorized users.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The League of American Bicyclists’ 2022 report card ranked Montana 42nd out of 50 states for bike friendliness, highlighting areas for improvement such as adopting safe passing laws and establishing a statewide Complete Streets policy. Addressing these gaps is crucial for Montana to realize its vision of a more walkable and bike-friendly future.

Conclusion

What will it take for Montana to become a truly walkable and bike-friendly state? While cities like Missoula and Billings have made significant progress, rural areas still face major challenges in accessibility and infrastructure development. Statewide policies, including the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan and funding programs like the Transportation Alternatives Program, provide a foundation for future improvements.

However, with Montana ranking 42nd in bike-friendliness, there is still much work to be done. Stronger policies, better enforcement of safety laws, and continued investment in infrastructure will be essential to closing the urban-rural gap and making cycling and walking viable transportation options for all residents.

Lily Cooper (Health + Lifestyle)

About Lily Cooper (Health + Lifestyle)

Lily Cooper is an Editorial Intern at Prothotsy this summer! She has a love for writing, reading, and Health Lifestyle. She attends Grand Canyon University where she studies English Literature. You can find her doing anything creative in a cute health and fitness ideas, updating her blog, or traveling to new places.

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