Will we ever see a non-motorized multi-use pathway between Bozeman and Belgrade, or is this merely wishful thinking? As a passionate cyclist and longtime resident of Gallatin County, I find it very hard to believe that some kind of trail has still not been developed to link the cities of Bozeman and Belgrade. It would appear as though county and city administrators have more than enough capital to finance new road construction for subdivision overdevelopment, but relatively little is allocated for public projects that promote increased health and safety. Maybe if these same local government officials were not so preoccupied with their unofficial “maximum accommodation” policy regarding out-of-state “invaders,” we would have had a dedicated bike and pedestrian pathway to enjoy many years ago.

Originally discussed in the Bozeman POST Plan by community members, transportation officials, and elected leaders in 1997 (if not earlier), a multiple-use pathway became a designated “priority” three years later. In 2010, Gary Weiner of the National Park Service’s Rivers and Trails program published a comprehensive report entitled, Appendix F: RTCA Summary Report - “A Belgrade-to-Bozeman Trail Connection.” This comprehensive, insightful report identified several alternative routes for the pathway, along with obstacles to its development, not the least of which is the constraint imposed by the I-90 corridor.

In May 2017, the Montana Department of Transportation finalized a formal Belgrade-to-Bozeman Corridor Frontage Road Study, which generated 69 public comments. While these comments expressed strong support for the project and provided sound advice advocating for a bike path, precious little in the way of progress has resulted since then. Thereafter, a benefit analysis study in 2018 determined that the benefits of a proposed pathway would be worth at least twice the cost of construction and maintenance, including increased public safety, improved public health, and significant economic gain.

Three primary route alignments have been proposed over the past 30 years. They are listed here, but space limitations preclude a detailed analysis of each.

Galla10 Alliance for Pathways (GAP), a local all-volunteer nonprofit organization, is currently developing plans and raising funds for a multiple-use, 10-foot-wide paved trail along the north side of the Frontage Road from the Cherry River Fishing Access Site to the Valley Center Spur. Phase One of this proposal would extend from the Valley Center Spur along the Frontage Road to Nelson Meadows subdivision, and then eastward via Moss Road to Springhill Road.

Phase Two calls for extending the pathway from Springhill to the Cherry River Fishing Access Site. Phase Three would extend the pathway westward toward Belgrade in the future. The cost for the first two phases is estimated at about $600,000. According to the latest information, GAP is currently waiting for the “green light” from the city of Bozeman before they can move forward with construction.

What about obstacles? It would appear as though the second option is the most feasible, as easement restrictions along the Burlington Northern right-of-way will not allow recreational pathways. Frustratingly — after three decades of consideration — public consensus has still not been achieved with regard to trail alignment or function. Generally speaking, serious cyclo-commuters would be content with a trail along the Frontage Road, while recreational users would prefer a route along county roads south of the interstate corridor.

With regard to construction of a pathway between the two cities, three other obstacles have yet to be overcome. As stated previously, the constraint imposed by the I-90 corridor (which is even more problematic for Belgrade motorists) would necessitate the construction of a costly bridge over the interstate south of Belgrade. Secondly, the rights-of-way along county roads are far too narrow to accommodate wide shoulders and/or recreational pathways. Finally, fundraising has heretofore been insufficient to make this long-term dream feasible.

Groups which support this ambitious project (as proposed by GAP) include Bozeman and Gallatin County Pedestrian Traffic Safety Committee; Gallatin Valley Land Trust; Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board; Citizens for a Safer Bozeman and Gallatin County; Bozeman Area Transportation Coordination Committee; Belgrade City/County Planning Board; the Recreational Trails Program, and the Bozeman Recreation and Parks Advisory Board.

As never before, local trail advocates need to generate sustained, long-term commitment to this pathway if it is ever to advance beyond the planning stages to implementation. Make your voices heard, lend a helping hand, and give generously to this very worthwhile cause.   

A long-term resident of Gallatin County and passionate cyclist, Douglas Stream is a retired veteran who is living the retirement dream with gusto.