The 67th Legislature continues on with budget deliberations which will have direct implications for the future of transportation in Montana. New bills without budget implications are not allowed after the March 3rd transmittal and new budget bills must be transmitted by April 1. So we should not see any new issues coming up. However, budget discussions will also include how Montana will spend but rather what the budget will be including the over $3 billion in COVID relief. Federal budgets will continue to have a major impact and we are seeing very promising developments under the new Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
The two bills we were most involved with, HB184 – the bike safety bill and HB281 – the ebike bill – have both been tabled. We hope to work with both other stakeholders and legislators who see the value of active transportation during the interim to move forward together on what is needed for both of these. Thanks to all of you, regardless of your position, who submitted testimony, contacted your legislators, and who were part of the discussion. You did make a difference in getting legislators to listen and consider diverse opinions, together we can build a better transportation future.
One great resource that we found was a Literature Review of Recreational Conflicts Focused on Emerging Ebike Technology by Boulder County, Colorado which you can find on our website here. The review included a study by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities which you can find here . We know ebikes will be an increasing part of our transportation future, so no matter where you stand, or sit, on them, you should take the time to see what studies are available to help you form your opinion!
HB306, which reduces the role the Public Service Commission has in permitting small shuttle services, has passed both Houses by large margins and is on its way to the Governor’s desk, hopefully to be signed. Thanks to the bill’s sponsor Representative Moffie Funk and Vigilante Shuttle owner Kurt Valiton, whose strong testimony cleared the way in both House and Senate committees.
You can use the links to each bill on our online legislative tracker here to see a bill’s status. We will do our best to keep the tracker current in these fast changing times and will alert you if any major opportunities for your action seems to be needed. Your communications as citizen advocates with legislators have and will make a difference.
Some of this will be supporting broadband connections for our rural communities, these linear installations could also provide great ROWs for trails as well! Again, if that could even just be allowed, our communities could make that decision when directing the funding.
We are in challenging political times but that is nothing new to the active transportation community. Rather than be discouraged, look back 20 or even 10 years and see the progress individuals, organizations and communities have made in providing for bicycling and walking. And then, look ahead 10 years, see what your home town and Montana could be, and then, and most importantly, help make that happen!!e that happen!!