Walkable Missoula: Pedestrian plan looks to improve connectivity, reduce vehicle traffic

An estimated 6 percent of residents in the Missoula urban area walk or bike to work or school, a figure that places the city well ahead of the state and national average.

But it’s still less than the stated goal of 18 percent, according to a draft of the Pedestrian Facilities Master Plan, unveiled Wednesday before members of the Missoula City Council.

“We’ve been working on this plan for about a year, maybe longer, doing public outreach and looking at data,” said Aron Wilson, the city’s transportation planning manager. “The foundation of any good plan is having goals you’re trying to achieve.”

By Martin Kidston