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Bicycling and Walking in the U.S. 2012 Benchmarking Report - Jan 2012

The Alliance for Biking and Walking released their 2012 Benchmarking Report for bicycling and walking in the United States. Here's a sampling of interesting economic points made in the report:

1. Bicycling and walking projects create 11-14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just 7 jobs created per $1 million spent on highway projects.
2. Cost benefit analysis show that as much as $11.80 in benefits can be gained from every $1 invested in bicycling and walking.

Here's how Montana ranked compared to the rest of the states:

• Montana is the 4th highest state in number of commuters who commute by bicycle or foot.
• Montana is in the top 1/3 of states for commuters who bike/ped to work, safety, and funding; but is in the bottom 1/3 of states for advocacy capacity (number of advocacy organizations working on biking and walking issues).
• Montana is ranked 2nd in cycling to work and 4th in walking to work.
• Montana has the smallest gap among men and women bicyclists. In fact, Montana has the highest percentage of women bike commuters.
• Montana is the 7th safest state to bike in.
• Montana has some of the hardiest cyclists, since it also has some of the coldest temperatures.
• Montana has had a 148% increase in people who bike to work from 1990-2009.

Who knew Montana was such a bicycle/pedestrian oriented state!

Trails Update - November 4, 2011

Swords Park Trail Nearing Completion

If you haven’t been up to see the new Swords Park Trail yet, you’re in for a treat. Knife River has paved most of the trail corridor and is working on the bridge over the drainage ditch bringing the trail up to the Airport Road bike/pedestrian underpass. The bridge treatment reminds you of a European aqueduct with stonework accenting the design and curvature of the structure. With the trees and vegetation still in place, it makes you think you are in a natural area away from busy city life when you are actually right alongside the busy Airport Road.

Because of the terrain in Swords Park, the trail traverses from high points overlooking the Yellowstone Valley and the City proper down to below street level. Because of these variations, several retaining walls were created out of large stone rocks along the trail. The Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department oversaw design and construction of the project. The curvilinear design of the trail corridor allows trail users to see many of Billings' most spectacular views as he goes through the park.

But the only way you’ll truly see and appreciate all aspects of the trail, is from the seat of your bike. We’re hoping for good weather for the trail dedication so we can plan a bike ride to not only see the Swords Park Trail, but also how it connects to the other trails within close proximity.

SUMMER OF 2011: AN EXCITING TIME FOR TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS

SWORDS PARK CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Construction on the Swords Park Trail completion (east side of the park) is underway. The portion of the old Black Otter Trail road that will be used for the trail corridor has been torn up in preparation for the new trail. The old roadway has been removed to lay a new base with a new trail surface.

Knife River construction is currently working on the connection of the trail to the Airport Underpass. There is a substantial grade separation between where the trail will be placed along the ground and making the rise to where trail users can access the underpass. They are forming a culvert that will provide the connection and allow water to drain under the culvert and along the borrow ditch, but still provides a hard surface base to support the new trail surface.

Once Swords Park Trail, Phase 2 is completed, trail users can access the trail system on the west side of 27th Street and have continuous trail connection to Governors along Alkali Creek Road and to the trail along Aronson. By using the sidewalk along Airport Road, trail users can also access the Main Street underpass to the trail to Mary’s Street, and to the Yellowstone River and Mystic Park. What a connection this will make! Keep watching for the Swords Park trail dedication later this fall.

HEART & SOLE RUN

Monday, August 26th, BikeNet was presented with a $7,500 donation from the Heart & Sole Run. Race organizers held a press conference to announce final race numbers and their donation to BikeNet and the YMCA. The donation to BikeNet will be used for the Swords Park amenity development project, recently launched through the partnership of BikeNet and the Chamber of Commerce. What a great way to kick off the fundraising campaign! Here are more details as presented by the Gazette.

SWORDS PARK TRAIL PHASE II

Groundbreaking was Monday, August 8th. Participating in the ceremony were John Brewer, Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mike Whitaker, Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands; Nash Emrich, BikeNet President; Michael Sanderson, President of Sanderson Stewart (consulting firm for the trail project) and Billings Mayor Tom Hanel. Also represented at the event was the construction company, Knife River. After a few words from each, they took their shovels and threw a little dirt to get the Swords Park Trail Phase II underway. Many of the volunteer bike patrol were present to help direct the crowd and join in the celebration. Fundraising is underway to help add amenities to enhance trail user experience. Fall completion of this project is anticipated.

This project completes the final trail segment through the east side of Swords Park that will connect to the underpasses and trail segment by 6th Street bypass built previously as part of the Airport Road project. The trail connection on the north side of Airport Road through Swords Park north to connect with the Alkali Creek Trail and Aronson will also be completed. In other words, a continuous trail network from 27th Street out to Aronson and Alkali Creek! After tha, there's just one missing segment left to also link users to the Main Street Underpass and the trail corridor to Mary’s Street and down to the Yellowstone River Trail along Coulson Park. What a GREAT Link!

BILLINGS AREA BIKEWAY AND TRAIL MASTER PLAN (BABTMP)

The BABTMP was finally approved at the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting on August 9th. It was a long process with some bumps along the way as the Yellowstone County Board requested removal of the chapter on Complete Streets. Fortunately, the rest of the document was approved. A special thanks to Joe Gilpin from Alta Planning who was the lead consultant for this project and to Scott Walker for his continuous efforts to route this document through the voting process.

COMPLETE STREETS RESOLUTION

RiverStone Health had conducted an extensive public information campaign throughout the spring and summer to highlight the safety and health conditions that Complete Streets provide. Many presentations and workshops were given to civic groups and elected officials with a goal of bringing a Complete Streets Resolution before the City Council for approval on August 22.

Delay in adoption of the Billings Area Bikeway and Trail Master Plan and removal of the Complete Streets chapter confused the issue and there was great concern that even though the City Council had originally express support of the Complete Streets Resolution that it might be tabled. RiverStone Health asked people to let their City Council members know their thoughts before the August 22nd Council meeting.

COMPLETE STREETS AWARENESS RIDE AND RALLY

Ron Tussing, the former Billings mayor decided to plan an awareness ride and rally to support the Complete Streets resolution and show that many people in the community were supportive of this effort.

With only a week to plan for the event, Merry Ann Peters and Darlene Tussing joined in to help Ron organize the rally and ride for Sunday, August 21st. Merry Ann created a poster spread around by e-mail and Ed Kemmick wrote a great article in the Gazette. MSU-B provided the venue at the Peaks to Plains Park.

About 100 people attended the rally and Nash Emrich led a 5-6 mile bike ride to view examples of the benefits that Complete Streets can provide and the dangers when they arenot considered. A small group of families with young children took a safe ride around campus to see some of the signage and accommodations for students walking or biking. All ended up back at the park for food and entertainment and a little rallying.

All three bike shops lent their support. The Spoke Shop (Dean Cromwell, owner) provided barbecue for a nominal fee and the Bike Shop (Dennis Stedman, owner) graciously provided ice cream. Katy Kemmick and her dad John provided musical entertainment. Ed wrote another great story covering the ride and rally as well as coverage on the City Council meeting.

COMPLETE STREETS VOTE

At the August 22 City Council meeting, fifteen people spoke in support of a Complete Streets Resolution from different perspectives. They included representatives from the two hospitals and the CEO of RiverStone Health. Two people spoke in opposition. Before the vote was cast, most of the Council voiced their support of Complete Streets and mentioned that they had received lots of input on this issue. The end result was a unanimous vote for the Complete Streets Resolution. Several Council members commented afterwards that they were impressed by the great effort and diverse group of people that had rallied to support the resolution. Thanks to everyone for your support!!!! We did it together.

25th STREET BIKE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PROJECT

The 25th Street Bridge project is underway and the consulting firms of Morrison Maerle and High Plains Architects have been hired to do preliminary engineering and coordination with Montana Rail Link for placing the bridge with foundation and access structure over the railroad tracks in line with 25th Street. Plans are to construct and place the bridge next spring or summer. This will provide the beginning of access to the riverfront from the old historic district of Billings. Watch for a big celebration on the bridge next summer!

Volunteers, donors help citizens connect with trails (Billings Gazette - 8/11/2011)

Swords Park Trail to improve quality of life and Billings economy (KTVQ City News - 8/8/2011)

Ground broken for new segment of Swords Park Trail (Billings Gazette - 8/8/2011)

2011 Trail Census
"Sunny and Beautiful..."

Complete trail census results.

A bi-annual event, the original May 2011 census was postponed until the first week in June because of heavy rains and cold weather. June dates turned out much better.

Trail use was recorded on Thursday June 2 and Sunday, June 5 to capture use both during the week and on the weekend. Three of the trails, the Big Ditch Trail, Descro Park and the Kiwanis Trail are also used by school age children to walk and bike to school. An infrared trail counter gives additional opportunities for random counts along various trail segments throughout the year.

Overall results are as follows:

• More walkers than bikers except on the Kiwanis/Metra/Coulson Trail. (This may be due to the fact that it is the longest continuous trail where the census was taken.)
• Overall increase in trail usage from previous years (up 21% from 2009, previoulsy the highest year to date).
• More people using bike helmets.

THANKS: We especially want to thank everyone that helped with the 2011 census. It was a great effort by these folks:

Marge McArthur, Kit Nilson, Merry Ann Peters, Jean Smith, Jim Bonsal, Margy Bonner, Kathy Breshears, Betty Brotzel, Stanley Bruce, Don Worth, Billy Hicks, Mary Lou Fundingsland, Tom Weeks, Mick Ohnstad, Gary Owen, Kathy & Tom Bick, Mary Drew Powers, Marian Lyman, Ellen & Dave Cushing, Marlow Ockfen, Bruce Chessen, Anna Wessel, Kelly Martinson, Kelly Bustell, Woody Woodbury, M.J. Monroe, Jens Selvig, Terri Walters, Gary Hafer, Don Jore, Diane & Vonnie Fries, Carol Perman, Laura Estes, Judy Spooner, April Keippel, Chuck Ward, Jim Collins, Kathy Aragon, Dave & Elizabeth Klarich, Alyssa Auviresn, Rick Scott, Dave Sluss, Lynn Ivie, Holly Rensvold, Rob & Carolyn Hunter, Roger Williams, Dee Schafnitz, Jordan Smith, Rev Salyers, Lora Mattox, Gretchen Wagner, Randy Hammerquist, David Weiss, Lauri Miron, Pam & Stu Briggs, Ralph Gurney, Todd Cormier, Ginny Jensen, Anna Wessell, Peggy Good, , Rachel Cox, Lee & Carla Stadtmiller, Lynda Rivinius, Ronda Vukasin, Jeff Bollman and Wyeth, Donna & Parker Friday.

Billings Trails Hit National Press -- April 2011

The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse spring newsletter features an article about how Billings' has put transportation enhancement grants to work building a better community. Read the full article.

Joyride with Mia Burke -- 3/25/11

Author and community organizer Mia Burke spoke to an enthusiastic group of Billings city officials, local politicians and concerned citizens about her experinces as the City of Portland Bicycle Program Manager (1993-99). During that time, Portland went from a standard bike-unfriendly city to one that showcases many great ideas for allowing more people to be comfortable riding bikes and walking for transportation. The luncheon discussion was sponsored by BikeNet, the Billings Chamber and Riverstone Heatlh.

Her recently published book Joyride - Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet is an inspiring read for anyone even remotely interested in helping communities become more human, healthy, safe and livable. Besides telling a great true story of hard work and dedication, the book includes helpful tips and resources like The Copenhagen Cycle Chic Manifesto and A Step by Step Guide to Turn your Town into a Bicycle Friendly Community. Copies of the book are available at http://www.miabirk.com/(where you can also check out her blog).

Mia is currently spreading her message about transportation transformation across the U. S. and in several European countries as CEO and Principal at Alta Planning + Design. Alta has been hired by the City of Billings to do a feasibility study focusing on area trail planning.

See some ideas used in Portland in this Street Films video:

City Council approves donation from BikeNet for trail connections -- 2/28/11

At the February 28th, 2011 City Council meeting, the council voted to approve a donation from BikeNet for a number of Billings area trail system connections. The $64,000 donation to the City of Billings will provide $25,000 for a portion of the local match for the 25th Street Pedestrian Bridge project and $35,000 for the entire local match of the Broadwater Connection Trail. BikeNet also will give up to $4,000 for the design and engineering of the section of trail through Swords Park North that will tie into the bike/pedestrian underpasses built under Alkali Creek Road and Airport Road.

BikeNet President Nash Emrich attended the city council meeting. “I am very excited that the council voted to approve our donation. The multi-use trail system in Billings helps to make this town a great place to live by offering a safe, healthy, and enjoyable recreation option for residents and visitors. These projects will go a long way to improving these trails by providing key connections between existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.”

BikeNet donated $33,000 to the trail system in 2010 and hopes to help facilitate even more trail-building in 2011. BikeNet’s mission is to promote a complete, community-wide trail system within the Billings area. The annual Ales for Trails event is one of the many ways BikeNet raises funds for this goal.

Cyclists, walkers cruise through new Main Street tunnel -- Billings Gazette 11/10/10

Billings Awarded Bike-Friendly Status

The League of American Bicyclists has designated Billings as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) at the bronze level. The League awards this four-year, multi-level designation to communities that have made impressive, measurable efforts to integrate bicyclists. Out of 51 applications, Billings was one of 10 selected. All Bicycle Friendly Communities enjoy quality of life benefits to which many other communities aspire. The BFC program is providing a helpful road map for communities to make that transition.

The Billings designation was based on exemplary efforts toward "raising support and awareness for bicycling through a broad array of bicycle-oriented events which use the outdoor and recreational amenities unique to the region."

“It is important to recognize communities as they begin to build bicycle friendliness into their network. But a designation only goes to communities with established records in two or more of the five categories,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists.

The five categories reviewers consider are:

• Education: Does the community have systems in place to train children and adult cyclists?
  
• Engineering: Are bicyclists included in the city’s transportation plan?
  
• Enforcement: Do police officers understand and enforce bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities?
  
• Encouragement: Does the community participate in Bike Month, offer bike rodeos, host community bike rides, or otherwise encourage cycling?
  
• Evaluation: Does the community have methods in place to ensure their bicyclist programs are making a difference?

The only other Montana Bicycle Friendly Community is Missoula, designated since 2003 and now at the silver level.

National 2008 Bicycle Friendly Community Press Release

More information about the Bicycle Friendly Community Program