Staff recommends that Council listen to the progress report presentation on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and learn about next steps for the plan. 

The Billings-Yellowstone County Metropolitan Planning Organization is conducting a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Update, which is an update to the 2017 Billings Area Bikeway and Trails Master Plan. Plans like these are updated on approximately a 5-6 year cycle for currency with industry best practices and to align with community trends and changes. The plan has been renamed the Billings Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan in order to include a stronger focus on pedestrian facilities in the Billings urbanized area in addition to the focus on bikeways and trails. The expected outcomes of the plan are to evaluate system usage and construction progress since the 2017 plan; review, evaluate, and prioritize on-street bikeways, and key off-street trail and pedestrian connections; identify funding for the construction and maintenance of active transportation facilities; engage the public; provide recommendations for education and encourage the use of active transportation; and promote the system as a healthy, safe mode of transportation. New this plan, the plan evaluated the comfort of the pedestrian environment through a Pedestrian Level of Traffic Stress Analysis which will complement the Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress Analysis. Alta Planning + Design, Inc. in association with Sanderson Stewart is the consultant on this plan. Council approved the contract for this plan in July of 2023. 

The presentation will cover topics such as vision and goals, progress made on the system since the last plan was published, what was heard in the first round of public outreach, a general overview of the proposed network, criteria for project prioritization, the second phase of public outreach, and upcoming project timeline and next steps.

The first round of public outreach for this plan included a public meeting which approximately 75 people attended in late November, a survey with 201 responses, 189 interactive map comments, and 92 individuals who wished to be kept up to date on the plan. Efforts were made to reach different groups of people during public input including offering a biking, walking, and rolling-themed cookie decorating activity at the public meeting which drew families with young children. Staff posted flyers advertising the online survey and interactive map at several parks around Billings. Staff also hosted several pop-up tabling events at local gathering places including at the MET Transfer Center, Family Services, Art Walk, and a trivia night. In addition, traditional methods of outreach were used such as sending out a press release, with the help of PIO Victoria Hill, which was covered by at least one media outlet, and using social media.Local partners such as Billings TrailNet also promoted the opportunity. An advisory committee of stakeholders has also informed the project. 

The presentation will be given by Mack Drzayich, project manager from Alta Planning + Design, Inc.

This is a presentation only. No action is needed. 

This is a presentation only. There are no fiscal effects.