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Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
2010 Campaign for Active Transportation

Active transportation is the use of trails, walking and biking for everyday travel. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation aims to double federal funding for trails, walking and biking in the next federal transportation reauthorization. Four communities were funded in the previous federal transportation bill as Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Programs: Marin County, CA; Minneapolis, MN; Columbia, MO.; and Sheboygan County, WI. Rails-to-Trails aims to grow this program to 40 or more communities in the next bill, with each site seeking $50 million over six years to support strategic investments in active transportation systems and supporting programs.

Rails to Trails Conservancy has identified Billings as a community that could be part of this initiative. First, we need to demonstrate that we have the ability to rise to this challenge with plans and people in place that can help solicit Congress to invest additional monies in the transportation re-authorization bill in 2010. People in our community can rally around this cause through letters of support. We want your views on how our community currently supports and promotes active transporation and we want your ideas on how you or your organization can be a part of the active transportation movement. To learn more, go to www.railstrails.org under resources and the 2010 Campaign. For more information about Billings becoming a Pilot Program, contact Darlene Tussing, City of Billings Alternate Modes Coordinator.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting

The City Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee has been appointed with a roster of members as shown below. They meet the 4th Tuesday of each month, 11:30 a.m. in the 4th Floor Conference Room of the Parmly Library Bldg. The public is welcome and the committee takes public comment at the beginning of their meeting, so it is an opportunity to voice your concerns, issues or comments.

ST. PATTY’S DAY PARADE 2008

Yellowstone Valley Citizens Council once again entered their Big GREEN Biodiesel Bus in the St. Patty’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15th. The bus runs on 100% biodiesel and has plenty of room to hang advertisements, so we hung a bike and the banner to promote the Bike, Walk, Bus Week from May 12th-May 16th. Some folks rode inside the bus, but others walked or biked to encourage alternative transportation choices. It was a beautiful day and there were lots of people lining the streets and watching all the activity…..and of course some of the kids were also hoping to pick up some candy.

Main Street Bike Pedestrian Underpass & Earl Guss Park Trail

The Main Street bike/pedestrian underpass will be a significant link for the trail system in the Heights. It will provide a safe corridor from the existing trail along the Metra east of Main Street with the trail systems being developed on the west side of Main Street along Alkali Creek and in Swords Park. Bikes and pedestrians can use the underpass to skip negotiating the seven lanes of traffic found there at-grade.  Funding is in place to complete this project with contributions from CTEP, an appropriation and matching dollars from BikeNet, CTA and St. Vincent Healthcare Heart & Sole Run.
Map of proposed Main Street Underpass.