Bike Walk Alliance for Missoula

Bike Walk Montana (BWM) is the new statewide advocacy organization that was founded by a volunteer leadership team which put together the Founding Summit that took place in Helena in April 2012. That group charted a course for the organization’s future and now a volunteer board is being formed to carry out those action plans.

BWM’s mission is to make biking and walking safe and accessible for all.  Their vision for the future of cycling is that in all communities across Montana, cycling and walking are safe, everyday, mainstream activities. Cycling and walking are recognized, accommodated and funded as legitimate and essential modes of transportation. As a result, Montanans enjoy an enhanced quality of life, a cleaner environment, and better health. Montana is a model for innovative cycling and walking facilities and programs.

BWM is currently striving to establish a strong, diverse Board of Directors. They currently have five people who are volunteering to be Board Members and would like to have 11 – 13 total.  It is important that we have representation from many areas of Montana (small towns and larger cities), and people with a variety of backgrounds and skills.

They are continuing work on their corporation documents to become a 501(c)(3) corporation.
They have submitted a request for a major grant and are anxiously awaiting a response.  If that is awarded, they will potentially have funding for the next three years which will enable them to hire an Executive Director and possibly other staff, create a website, begin a strong messaging campaign, and cover operational expenses to work towards completing their goals.

Even if BWM does not receive the grant, they are working to secure ongoing income through memberships, donations, events, and other grants.  Donations are very welcome and may be mailed to Bike Walk Montana, PO Box 584, Helena, MT 59624

They are beginning to look closer at the Action Plans that were created and prioritizing those further.   BWM  has created a Facebook page and ask for people to check it out and become a friend.

If you are interested in helping BWM,  please complete a very short survey to indicate what level of involvement, if any, you would like?
Melinda Barnes of Helena is a contact representing the Leadership Team and Board of Directors.