Bike Helena Announces Inaugural Bike Helena Shuttle Fest

Bike Helena announces the launch if the inaugural event, Bike Helena Shuttle Fest.  Bike Helena Shuttle Fest is a three day FREE bike shuttle event on August 15th, 16th and 17th 2014 in Helena, Montana.  Bring your bike and ride continuous shuttles that hit the best of Helena’s South Hills Trail System as well as the iconic Continental Divide Scenic Trail on top of MacDonald Pass.  On top of all of that, The Montana Brewer’s Association will be hosting Helena’s 150th Birthday Brewfest at Memorial Park on Saturday afternoon/evening that will feature over 20 Montana breweries pouring over 60 Montana Made beers and live music!

Additionally, there will be a fundraiser for Helena’s Vigilante Bike Park on Friday evening at The Garage in Downtown Helena. 

For more information on Bike Helena Shuttle Fest, Please contact:

Pat Doyle, Community Outreach Director, Helena Tourism Alliance/Tourism Business Improvement District/Bike Helena pdoyle@helenamt.com  , 406-449-2107

Website: http://www.bikehelena.com/index.php/shuttle-fest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BikeHelena   Twitter: https://twitter.com/BikeHelena

Protected Bike Intersections

More and more evidence is pointing towards the benefits of protected bike lanes. Not only do they greatly increase the safety of bike riders, they also lead to huge jumps in the number of bikes for a route (which have all sorts of other benefits, including economic -- see my "Bicycles Mean Business" blog post here).

Even with a protected bike lane, bicyclists still have to cross intersections, which puts them right back into traffic with cars. Because of this, this urban planner is extending the protected bike lane into intersections. Nick Falbo's design protects bikes from turning vehicles, and increases visibility of the biker so there is less likelihood for collision. Watch a short video here to learn more about his design and how it can be modified to work in the U.S.

As a bonus, here's a short article from Beartooth NBC on our local Centennial Trail!

Non-Motorized Issues Explored in the Indepedent Record

This weekend the IR featured three articles discussing non-motorized travel and recreation in Helena.

One of them explains the new Non-Motorized Transportation District public hearing that's happening at the commission meeting TONIGHT at 6pm: http://helenair.com/news/local/city-to-act-on-new-taxing-district/article_7b873c7a-033a-11e4-a928-0019bb2963f4.html

Another explores bicycle infrastructure improvements that have happened over the last couple years, and potentials for the future: http://helenair.com/news/local/cycling-in-helena-improving-but-more-work-to-be-done/article_88cd9236-04ce-11e4-8b37-0019bb2963f4.html

The last one details Centennial Trail plans expected to be completed by the end of next year: http://helenair.com/news/local/centennial-trail-would-be-backbone-of-nonmotorized-transit/article_4fb1cb82-04d0-11e4-b6ab-0019bb2963f4.html

Non-Motorized District to be Discussed at Upcoming City Meetings

The City of Helena is currently considering a resolution for the creation of a special district for non-motorized transportation. This district would cover improvements, repair, and maintenance of non-motorized transportation infrastructure that currently do not qualify for funding under the Street Maintenance District.

This new district will be discussed at both the Administrative Meeting tomorrow, July 2nd from 4pm-6pm, and the City Commission Meeting on Monday, July 7th, from 6pm-9pm. These meetings are always open to the public, who are welcome to provide any comments they may have. Find more information on the City Calendar and the City Commission Meeting Agenda Packet.