The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) has been actively engaged in community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting safe biking practices across the state. Through various programs and events, MDT regularly collaborates with local organizations to enhance bicycle safety, particularly among children. Below are some highlights from recent efforts.
Safety Messaging and Educational Resources
MDT also provides the Bicycling the Big Sky map, a companion to the Official State Highway Map that includes highway information for bicyclists, state laws and regulations pertaining to bicyclists, and safety tips for sharing the road. This resource is available in print and electronic formats, ensuring accessibility for all bicyclists.
Additionally, MDT distributes Bicycle Tourism packets to interested parties through our website. Each packet includes an informational letter, our Bicycling the Big Sky map, the State Highway Map, and a bicycle law pocketbook. To order a Bicycle Tourism packet, please visit: Order Form for Montana Highway Maps and Other Documents
Bicycle Rodeos: Hands-On Safety Education
MDT collaborates with local law enforcement, hospitals, and others to educate children on bicycle safety at local bike rodeos and safety fairs. These events provide children with the opportunity to learn essential biking skills in a controlled environment. Participants engage in activities that teach them how to signal turns, navigate obstacles, and understand traffic laws, all while emphasizing the importance of wearing helmets and being visible to drivers.
MDT provides safety educational materials for events across the state including: reflective gear, educational literature for a variety of age levels, bike bells, and more! We also attend some events to connect with communities and support local efforts in teaching children bike safety basics.
To Sum it Up
MDT has been busy partnering with communities across Montana to support bike rodeos, share safety messaging, and promote safe biking through local events—but there's always more we can do! If you're planning a community event and are in need of safety materials or educational resources, we’d love to help. Reach out to us here, MDTBikePed@mt.gov —together, we can keep making our roads safer for everyone.