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FISCHER & ASSOCIATES |
BIKENET: THE BILLINGS URBAN AREA BIKEWAY PLAN |
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Adopted in January of 1995 by five local government units, BikeNet is the Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation Plan for the Billings Urban Area. The comprehensive plan addresses bicycle facilities, policies and programs with the goals, among others, of providing recreation opportunities and encouraging alternative transportation in the city. The process used by Fischer & Associates to create this plan included extensive public involvement in a variety of forms, including public workshops and informal brownbag lunches. The process culminated in the production of a comprehensive document describing all aspects of the plan's recommendations, including route identification, design standards,management strategies, safety programs, incentive strategies, and education programs. Implementation to date has included the Bike Racks on Buses Program, Kiwanis Trail, Metra Trail and Alkali Creek Trail. The MetraTrail connects the
Kiwanis trail (from Mary Street to the Yellowstone River Road in the
Billings Heights) to the Yellowstone River. This two-mile bike path
then crosses under the Yellowstone River Road through a 120-foot underpass,
connecting to an off-road path along the southeast side of the road.
Crossing the top of Two Moon Park, the MetraTrail offers scenic vistas
of Billings and the Four Dances Natural Area. Crossing Alkali Creek
over a 90-foot metal bridge, the bike path continues through the "backside"
of the Metra property, alongside a little-seen waterfall. The path
then follows the Yellowstone River to the East Bridge underpass and
one more dramatic underpass below an active railroad bridge. Currently,
the path crosses over the Yegen Drain. Future plans include a connection
to Downtown and Riverfront Park.
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