University of Montana 2013 Bike Master Plan
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Associated Students of the University of Montana Office of
Transportation (ASUM OT)
The University of Montana, located in bicycle friendly Missoula, is a cycling campus. A 2012 traffic count
conducted by the City of Missoula counted more than 4500 cyclists commuting to campus. In a 2012
survey conducted by ASUM OT 32% of students reported bicycling as their primary mode of travel to
campus, more than any other mode. When the transportation fee began, and the ASUM Office of
Transportation was created, the first bicycle programs at UM were put into place. Bike checkout
programs and a bicycle parking initiative made bikes the early focus of the new transportation office.
Much has changed in the last 13 years. Bike programs have expanded, Missoula’s bicycle network has
grown and matured, and cycling is recognized as a regular mode of transport throughout the
community. Even so, much that was envisioned in 1999 has yet to be accomplished, and goals have
changed along with the wider community. This master plan will outline the goals for bicycling at the
University of Montana for the foreseeable future.
Geography
Students, faculty and staff at the University of Montana are a large part of the fabric of the larger
community of Missoula and beyond. As the largest employer in the region with about 2,500 faculty and
staff, as well as the center of activity for over 15,000 students, the footprint of UM on Missoula is
considerable. Commute trips begin all over Missoula and nearby communities. With Missoula’s
relatively flat geography, quiet streets and growing bicycle infrastructure, many of these trips to UM are
made by bicycle. The number of students, faculty and staff arriving on campus by bicycle is impressive.
This number could be much higher, and the routes of bicycle commuters much safer. This master plan
will outline how Missoula can maximize its bicycle commuting potential on routes serving UM.
Biking Today
UM Campus has over 50 bicycle parking locations, two air pump facilities, and one secure bike parking
facility. The campus is connected to the city bike network via the Kim Williams Trail, the riverfront trail
system, the Van Buren Bike/Ped Bridge, the Madison Street Underbridge, the Maruice Ave cycletrack,
and bike lanes on Arthur, Madison, and 5th and 6th Streets. Sidewalks on campus have been enhanced to
better accommodate bicycles in the Memorial Row area and between the LA Building and Jeannette
Rankin Hall. Problems persist on the Maurice corridor, the University Ave brick walk, and the lack of
integration and wayfinding with the City of Missoula bike network. UM also lacks adequate covered
bicycle parking, especially for dorm residents, as well as access to personal bicycle maintenance
equipment. City-wide the bicycle network is still incomplete, reducing the number of potential bicycle
commuters to campus, and increasing the risk to students, faculty and staff who choose to bike.
UM Bike Programs Plan 2013 – 2018
$3.50 increase X 14,000 students X 2 semesters
$98,000
Covers extra expenses:
Fuel budget:
-$32,000 to -$16,000
Driver wages:
-$15,000
Repair costs:
-$20,000
$31,000 remaining ($47,000 for less fuel costs)
Bike Program:
+$8,000
$39,000 available for new bike facilities ($55,000 lower fuel)
Current Bike Programs 2012/2013 (Budget)
Bike Ambassadors
$7,700
Bike Education
$1,000
Bike Parking
$8,000 (included above)
Cruiser Coop
$9,500 (approximately $4,000 for bike replacement)
Semester Bikes
$1,000 (unused as of 3/13)
FreeCycles Missoula
$3,000
Subtotal
$30,200
Total Bike Programs Budget 2013/2014
$61,200
Mountain Line's Bike Den
Bike Programs:
The Bike Hub – Is a Modular plan for location in Maurice corridor by Dennison
Theatre, with the intention of leveraging grants or loans to cover full costs.
Phase I
2014/2015
$20,000
30’x30’ shelter, parking for 30-40 bicycles, maintenance stand and air
pump
Phase II
2017/2018
$62,000
Staffed bicycle checkout station
Phase III
2019/2020
$78,000
Full service bike shop and expanded bike share (potential partnership with Campus
Rec, and grants/loans for earlier date)
Residence Halls Covered Bike Parking
Aber Hall
Aber houses over 400 students and has some major issues with its current bike parking. The
entry area exposed to the elements, but the real problem is under the trees on the west side.
The Installation of bike shelters and improved parking orientation away from the trees would
greatly benefit a large number of students.
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Aber Hall West Side
Aber Hall West Side
Aber Hall South Side
Jesse Hall
Jesse houses over 400 students (Aber’s twin tower) and
therefore has a nigh number of bicycles along the front
walkway. The racks by Jesse are well organized, but are
exposed to elements. The installation of bike shelters along
the long bike racks that are in front of Jesse Hall would protect
a large number of bikes, and incentivize more bicycling in the
winter months.
Jesse Hall
Miller Hall
Miller Hall Courtyard
After Aber and Jesse Halls, Miller houses the most students at
over 350. Most of the bike parking for Miller is in the
courtyard area between Miller, Pantzer and Duniway Halls.
This larger project could be a twin of the Bike Hub pavilion.
This would greatly reduce the amount of snow that typically
piles up in the middle of the courtyard each winter, making it
difficult for residents to utilize their bikes.
Craig Hall East Side
Craig Hall
Installation of bike shelters over bike parking in front of Craig Hall’s
main entrance on the east side. Potential covered parking sites are
also located on the north side in partnership with the Dining Services
Garden
Elrod Hall South
Elrod Hall
Installation of bike shelters over bike parking in front of Elrood Hall’s
main entrance on the south side. Shelters will have to conform to
historic landmark standards.
Turner Hall
Installation of bike shelters over bike parking located behind Turner
Hall on the south side. Shelters will have to conform to historic
landmark standards.
Turner Hall West
Duniway Hall
Installation of bike shelters over bike parking located on the north and
end of Duniway Hall by the garbage/recycling station. New site will be
constructed to protect the existing trees that are presently harmed by
the bicycle parking area.
Duniway Hall North
Residence Halls Covered Bike Parking Budget
Aber Hall
2014/2015
$9,500
Jesse Hall
2014/2015
$9,500
Miller Hall
2015/2016
$17,000
Craig Hall
2016/2017
$9,500
Elrod Hall
2016/2017
$9,500
Turner Hall
2017/2018
$9,500
Duniway Hall
2017/2018
$9,500
Total
2014/2018
$74,000
Bike Hub and Covered Parking Infrastructure
A bike hub is a station for bicycle commuters. They include facilities to service bikes,
secure bike storage, and in some cases they even include a shower and changing room.
Many also include a bike share station. Bike hubs come in all shapes, sizes and levels of
complexity. They can be very simple, like the new Bike Den at the Mountain Line
Transfer Center which has basic covered parking, a bike stand, and a bike-part vending
machine. On the other end of the spectrum there are bike hubs designed for form, and
function like the famous DC bike station.
At the University of Montana we envision a phased bike hub construction program that makes the best
use of our limited funding. Depending on our ability to secure additional funding sources over time, our
bike hub will be similar to Mountain Line’s Bike Den at the very least, or perhaps something more
extensive over time.
Examples of bike hubs:
Bike Den Missoula, Montana
Folsom Bike Station Boulder, Colorado
Bike Station Boulder, Colorado
New School Bike Station New York
Bike Station Long Beach, California
DC Bike Station Washington, DC
Bike Station Hillsboro, Oregon
DC Bike Station Washington, DC
Radhaus in Erfurt, Germany
Bike Checkout Programs*
Yellow Bikes
Current Fleet 2012/2013
40 cruiser bicycles, 1 bike coordinator 10-15hrs
Management and Repair*
$6,000 (*includes semester bikes)
Replacement budget
$3,500
Revenue (fines)
$1,000
Expanded Fleet
80 cruiser bicycles (two stations/UC & Bike Hub)
2 bike coordinators Fall/Spring
1 bike coordinator winter session/summer
Management and Repair
$12,000 (*includes semester bikes)
Replacement budget
$6,000
Revenue (fines)
$1,500
Semester Bikes
Current Fleet 2012/2013
25 3-speed cruiser bicycles
Replacement budget
$1,000
Revenue (User fees)
$1,500
Expanded Fleet
50 3-speed cruiser bicycles
Replacement budget
$2,000
Revenue (User fees)
$3,000
Total Program Costs 2012/2013
$8,000
Total Expanded Program Costs
$15,500
Semester Bikes at old Bike Hub
*$7,500 increase
*Potential sources for these extra funds may come from
improved efficiencies in the ASUM Office of Transportation
Budget, and from potential savings in the bike parking
program. Grants and partnerships are also possible sources.
Yellow Bikes at UC
*Note: As of Spring 2013 the City of Missoula has included $50,000 for a city-wide bike share study. Any
future Missoula Bike Share should be integrated into the University of Montana system.
City of Missoula Greenways
ASUM Office of Transportation will continue
to work with the City of Missoula and UM
Facilities Services to improve the Maurice
corridor and the University Avenue
connection as part of the city’s new
Greenway network for bicycles and
pedestrians.
The redesigned corridors would have
rehabilitated brick for University Ave, and a
design similar to Memorial Row for Maurice,
as well as improved cycle track facilities
along the UM section of Maurice.
Additional greenways on 4th St, Central Ave,
Ronald Ave and Plymouth St, with
connections to Park and Florence, are
essential to the mobility of UM students,
faculty and staff. ASUM Transportation will
work with neighborhood groups and the City
of Missoula to ensure the greenway network
is completed.
Maurice Avenue Greenway
A redesigned corridor with treatments similar to the
Memorial Row redesign, improved cycletrack facilities
along the UM section of Maurice, and traffic calming
elements from UM campus to South Ave.
Example Routes for Missoula Greenways
Two way cycle track with parking
Project Elements:
Improved Cycle Track
The Maurice corridor already enjoys a two-way cycle
track connecting the riverfront trail to UM. The section
between 5th and 6th Streets was constructed to NACTO (National Association of City Transportation
Officials) guidelines and works great. At issue is the section located on campus between 6th Street and
Connell. The existing painted track sends cyclists dangerously into oncoming traffic at the 6th St
intersection, and again at the Eddy and Maurice intersection. Between Eddy and Connell the cycle track
goes behind front-end angle parking, which is extremely dangerous, and then shares space with a major
bus stop. The purpose of this cycle track is to separate
bicycles from the traffic lanes and sidewalks in a highly
congested street. Unfortunately the existing
configuration puts cyclists in greater harm, and is
extremely confusing to both cyclists and drivers.
Realignment is needed to improve the safety of the cycle
track section of the Greenway.
Cycle track with transit stop
The redesigned cycle track would be aligned between
the sidewalk and parking along Maurice, and be
integrated with an enhanced bus stop by the Music
Building. The bus stop section of the cycle track will
follow NACTO standards with the bus stop itself located between the cycle track and the travel lanes.
On Campus Promenade
The Maurice corridor on campus currently consists of narrow sidewalks and a wide lawn in between.
The sidewalks are dangerously narrow and frequently choke up with pedestrians and cyclists. Similar
situations once existed along Memorial Row and by the Liberal Arts Building before new, wide paths
were installed. The same treatment is proposed for the Maurice Greenway between Connell Ave and
the where Maurice transitions from a street to
sidewalk at the south end.
Greenway Street to Student Housing/Recreation
The corridor continues as a shared street through
the Maurice and Beckwith intersection to South
Ave. This section of Maurice will feature traffic
calming and volume management features to allow
for safe and easy travel of cyclists and pedestrians,
Example entry into Greenway - NACTO
but discourage non-local motor vehicle traffic.
With the South Campus redevelopment, these enhancements to Maurice will not only encourage
bicycling and walking to UM from student housing, but will also reduce through traffic on this residential
street. Other enhancements include wayfinding at campus gateways that help cyclists and pedestrians
find points of interest.
University Avenue Greenway
The potential for a city-wide network of greenways means that UM can be connected to that network to
the west with the University Avenue Greenway. University Ave is already one of the busiest bicycle and
pedestrian entry points to campus.
In 2011 UM and the City Public Works improved the pedestrian crossings at University and Arthur,
raising the road surface and adding textured crosswalks to help slow vehicles on Arthur. University Ave
from Arthur to Higgins is free flowing and provides a straight shot from Higgins and the Rose Park
Neighborhood to UM. The main safety issues in this corridor that would be addressed in a greenway
project include: Undesirable speeds and automobile traffic levels, as well as the substandard condition
of the old brick pavers on the campus
section of the corridor.
Project Elements:
Higgins Crossing Enhancements
Perhaps the most dangerous part of the
University Greenway route is the
intersection of University Avenue, Higgins
Avenue and Plymouth/Tremont Streets.
University/Higgins/Plymouth/Tremont
Plymouth and Tremont, part of the ‘Slant
Streets’ neighborhood (Rose Park) meet University Ave at Higgins, create a very awkward and
sometimes dangerous intersection. There are many strategies to improve the safety and connectivity of
the greenway through to Plymouth, while improving safety of the crossing, and reducing motor vehicle
access to University Ave. Street reconfiguration at Plymouth and Mount created a neighborhood plaza
and gardens wile improving safety. Combined with crossing features, the
Plymouht/Tremont/Higgins/University intersection could also be reconfigured to maximize the facility
for bicycles and pedestrians.
Mount/Plymouth intersection redesign
Greenway road crossing - NACTO
Brick Walk Rehabilitation
The campus section of the University Greenway runs from Arthur Ave to the Grizzly Statue circle. The
walkway is paved with century-old bricks and has deteriorated in recent years. The present condition
has created a hazard for all users, and makes bicycling particularly uncomfortable. Rehabilitation of the
brick walk is needed to improve safety and comfort for bicycles, pedestrians and disabled users. In
addition, enhanced wayfinding is needed on the entry to campus and at the junction with the Maurice
Greenway to help people on campus connect with the rest of the network.
University Ave brick walk
Awareness and Education
The City of Missoula has endeavored to improve safety on
Missoula’s transportation network. Developing plans endeavor
to reduce fatalities to 0 and cut severe injuries by 25% by 2020.
Education and awareness programs designed to improve
bicycle and pedestrian safety will help us reach these goals.
With over 50% of all trips to UM on foot or bicycle, our
education programs have the ability to greatly reduce fatalities
or sever injuries involving UM commuters travelling on foot or
bicycle. Maintaining the current level of outreach/ambassador
programs, and increasing the number of events will help in the
City of Missoula’s goals.
Walk N' Roll Week celebration
Outreach Coordinator
This student position engages with the campus population on
transportation issues and provides education about the
services and transportation options provided by ASUM OT. In
addition, the Outreach Coordinator assists with transportation
events.
Bike Ambassadors
These student positions educate the campus population about
bicycle safety and the benefits of cycling to the wider
community. The goal of this program is to reduce conflict and
injuries between bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians, and to
generate goodwill towards bicycling at UM.
Bike Ambassador bike maintenance
Pres. Dennison Walk N' Roll Week
Events
ASUM Transportation sponsors a couple of major events each
year. Walk-n-Roll Week corresponds to Missoula’s Bike Walk
Bus Week, a community celebration of bicycling, transit,
walking and carpooling. Earth week is another focus of events
related to sustainable transportation.
Festival of Cycles is put on annually by FreeCycles Missoula and
promotes bicycling while teaching bicycle maintenance and reuse of old bicycles.
UM Orientations are held prior to fall and spring semesters. There are also monthly new employee
orientations for staff and faculty. ASUM OT provides education materials and outreach at these events
to bring new students, faculty and staff up to speed on sustainable transportation in Missoula.
Stakeholders:
Beginning the process of improving bicycling programs at UM will require partnerships with all of the
stakeholders at the University of Montana and with the wider community. A UM bicycle advisory
committee will need to meet to move the projects through the process of funding, design and
construction.
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Residence Life:
 Most of the covered bike parking will be placed at the dorms
Facilities Services:
 Installation and maintenance of bike racks goes through Facilities Services
Campus Recreation:
 Has an interest in bicycling, operates a bicycle shop on campus, and is a
potential partner in the Bike Hub vision.
Office of Public Safety:
 Concerning safety and fire lanes around bicycle infrastructure
Office of Student Affairs:
 Connection to UM Administration
Jameel Chaudhry, Campus Architect:
 Design elements of structures and placement.
City of Missoula Bicycle/Pedestrian Program:
 Coordination of Maurice and University Ave Greenway integration with UM
University Neighborhood Council and ASUM Off-Campus Renter Center
 Coordination of Maurice and University Ave Greenways
Missoula In Motion commuter incentive program
Conclusion and Goals:
Missoula is at a crossroads for long-range transportation planning. Both the city and the university have
established a thriving bike culture that is represented in the mode shift towards bicycling. Even with this
success, we have only scratched the surface of what is possible for bicycling in Missoula. If what we
have already accomplished can produce the number of cyclists we have today, imagine what a
complete, safe bicycle network throughout the city would mean for bicycling in Missoula. At the nexus
of culture, geography and infrastructure is the promise of a bicycle mode share comparable to European
cities. This is a goal that will do wonders for Missoula’s health, environment and economy.
Double Missoula Bike Mode Share by 2020
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Covered bicycle parking for dorm residents
Bicycle Hub for commuters and student residents
Expanded bike share program at UM and throughout Missoula
Improved bicycle network integration with UM Campus
o Maurice bike corridor to South Campus
o University Brick Walk and improved Higgins/University/Plymouth/Tremont crossing
o Wayfinding (signage guiding bicyclists off campus and onto the city network)
Continuation and expansion of events around bicycling