Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee urges better trail connectivity, safety campaign

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners heard the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s annual presentation on March 19 in Billings. Committee chair Nikki Zimmer said the group gathered public input and surveyed residents, receiving 120 responses that prioritized a connected trail system, safer routes to school and stronger links between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Zimmer described the panel’s role as advising city and county officials on non‑motorized transportation and accessibility: "We hope to advise city and county in regards to non motorized transportation issues," she said, adding the committee’s aim is "ensuring that our community's infrastructure enables people to walk, bike, or use a wheelchair safely." The committee said it uses the Billings Area bikeway and trails master plan as guidance and holds monthly meetings that compile public comment trends.

Jason Wood, a county‑appointed committee member, summarized crash data provided by the city police department and said the largest share — 58% — involved drivers turning and striking pedestrians or bicyclists who were legally present. "Drivers have the onus of being the ones to look out for the pedestrians," Wood said, and the committee recommended education, enforcement and selective infrastructure changes to reduce those collisions.

From the crash analysis the committee recommended a multi‑part response: a public service/education campaign aimed at both drivers and non‑motorized users; targeted traffic enforcement for red‑light runners and distracted drivers; marked crosswalks at high‑traffic locations; and infrastructure projects that separate bike lanes from motor vehicle traffic where feasible. The committee also highlighted maintenance, ADA compliance and improved directional signage as recurring public requests.

Presenters noted trail user counts dipped in 2023, likely tied to a prolonged trail closure under an overpass and to post‑COVID normalization of trail use; they also thanked city, county and state partners for recent completed projects, including the Skyline Trail and the Billings Bypass Bridge (with a separated path) still under construction.

Commissioners thanked the presenters and the board did not take formal action; committee members said they will continue monthly meetings and provide staff and elected officials with survey findings and specific connection requests.