Bicycle and Pedestrian Gap Analysis

In late 2022, the Bozeman City Commission asked staff to do a gap analysis study to find areas in the city where bicycle and pedestrian paths have connectivity problems. Closing these gaps became a key focus to improve infrastructure to provide a more connected and safe system for active transportation and mobility in the community.

City staff regularly use mapping tools and adopted plans to identify where connectivity is missing between facilities. However, these tools and plans are now outdated so staff have recognized the need for a more robust mapping effort and prioritization tool.

The City Commission and City Staff are committed to prioritizing active transportation facilities in the community. We aim to close gaps so residents can easily reach workplaces, essential services, schools, parks, and other places. Recent plans like the Climate Action Plan and the Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation Plan (PRAT) have also supported improving connectivity and closing the gaps throughout the community.

The Consultant team and City staff are working together on this project with four major steps in the coming months:

1. Identify Physical Gaps in our bicycle and pedestrian network: Utilize a robust mapping effort and updates to the City's geographic information system (GIS) database to get a clear snapshot of the existing active transportation infrastructure in our city. This step includes defining a gap is in our community. See below for more information on the types of gaps already identified.
2. Create an Analysis Tool: Develop a data-driven tool to rank bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects based on local needs and criteria.
3. Develop a Master List: Make a list of prioritized projects for the next five years, by facility type (i.e. sidewalks, shared-use paths, bicycle lanes, and crossings at key streets).
4. Write a Report: Summarize the project approach, provide guidance on a project weighting system, and share best practices.

In the coming weeks and months, the community will have multiple ways to be a part of the outreach and engagement effort. Through this website, the community will be able to access information, provide comments and ask questions. In addition, there will be several opportunities for public engagement, including public meetings and open houses.