Bozeman Launches Interactive Map Highlighting Accessible Parking- could Missoula be next?

Bozeman’s new interactive accessibility map identifies 39 accessible parking spaces downtown.

Montana State University students, the City of Bozeman, and Ability Montana collaborated to launch a digital tool that improves navigation for people with disabilities. This initiative addresses structural barriers in urban mobility and could influence similar projects statewide.

The map highlights accessible parking, sidewalks, curb ramps, and public buildings, featuring a measuring tool to calculate distances between parking spots and destinations. It launched on July 7 during Disability Pride Month and is available on the City of Bozeman’s website. Ricky Burns II of Ability Montana emphasized the map’s practical use, noting it fulfills a long-held vision to ease route planning for users. Ability Montana plans an ADA celebration on July 25 to promote awareness and inclusion.

Looking ahead, other Montana communities, including Missoula, have shown interest in developing comparable accessibility maps.

Given Montana’s varied terrain and dispersed population centers, such digital tools could become vital in reducing travel uncertainties for people with disabilities. Bozeman’s approach may serve as a practical model for enhancing access in similar small urban hubs across the state.

New downtown accessibility map helps people locate accessible parking in Bozeman; could Missoula be next?
By Meghan Elaine, KPAX News