As a statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Bike Walk Montana does not endorse or take positions on any candidate. Our mission is to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and limited mobility citizens. We work with state agencies and local and state officials to improve laws and policies for those who ride bikes and walk.
Bike Walk Montana recently distributed a survey to general election candidates to help educate our members and the general public impartially and on a nonpartisan basis about the policy positions of candidates for the Montana legislature.
We have received and compiled the results of the survey, and now share them with you to help you better understand your legislative candidates’ positions on Bicycle and Pedestrian issues in Montana.
Here is the list of candidates running for office in November that we surveyed. Those highlighted in RED have responded to our survey and you can review their responses. The un-highlighted candidates did not respond to the survey.
If your candidate did not respond, we encourage you to reach out to them to better understand their position on the issues facing bicyclists and pedestrians in Montana. If you are not certain of your legislative district, you can find it by using the Montana Legislator Look Up Tool.
Here is the list of questions we posed to each candidate:
What role do bicycling, walking and accessible travel play in the transportation system in your district and in your own transportation choices?
The 67th Montana Legislature will set priorities for the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) through budget levels and legislation. What are your transportation priorities?
HB225, passed by the 2017 Legislature, created a funding mechanism for Montana’s 180 miles of Shared-Use Paths on MDOT rights of way. Since the inception of this license opt-in program, over $50,000 has been voluntarily donated by Montanans for this purpose. How would you like to see these funds expended in your district?
What are your ideas for other ways to fund shared-use path maintenance and development?
In Montana, the five-year average of bicyclists killed is 2 per year and in 2017, 18 people were “severely injured” while riding bicycles. In 2018, 14 pedestrians were killed in vehicle crashes. These deaths and injuries have tragic impacts on families, high costs for medical and rehabilitation, and emotional scars for all involved including the motorists. What actions should MDOT take to improve roadway safety for pedestrians and bicyclists?
The Center for Disease Control reports that physical activity maintains health, reduces the risk of developing obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases, reduces feelings of depression and may also improve academic performance. This has become even more evident in these COVID times when so many Montanans are walking and bicycling for exercise as well as transportation. What, if any, role should the Montana government have in encouraging physical activity?