Memorandum
REPORT TO:
Transportation Board
FROM:
Taylor Lonsdale, Transportation Engineer
SUBJECT:
Shared Use Path and Electric Bike Transportation Policy Work Session
MEETING DATE:
September 23, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide feedback to staff on policy topics.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
BACKGROUND:
City staff have identified a need to review city codes and ordinances related to shared use paths and e-devices with the goal of aligning city code with best practices related to mobility and safety. Initial review of Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC) and Montana Code Annotated (MCA) revealed some inconsistencies and opportunities for continued alignment as well as needs and opportunities with in BMC to update some outdated items while addressing new topics related to the growing use of e-devices. This work will focus on public right of way and will not specifically address parks or open space. This will relate to and be coordinated with the work that Parks Department staff is doing to codify items from the Parks Recreation and Active Transportation Plan (PRAT).
Shared Use Paths - Staff have identified a need to provide a clear definition of shared use path, a need to clarify maintenance responsibility for shared use paths, and a need to look at how to regulate use of shared use paths by e-devices.
E-Devices - There is a need to review and revise definitions within BMC related to e-devices. Staff is looking to address questions such as: What are they? Where do they operate? How do we enforce regulations? Staff is currently reviewing the city's statutory authority for regulating e-devices differently than MCA to better understand what options the city has.
General Policy Items - Staff is looking at some general clean up of Chapter 36, Article 10 - Bicycles. The intent is to align city code with best practice and MCA.
Staff will present the topics identified and asks the Board for input related to the specific items and other policy topics that they may identify.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:
Staff anticipates a future ordinance amending Bozeman Municipal Code based on policy feedback received.
ALTERNATIVES:
As identified by the board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:
None currently identified.