BikeNet, Billings’ grass roots trail funding organization has a new name: Billings TrailNet.  Known by many as the group who produces Ales for Trails, the organization has been delighted to donate the proceeds from Ales for Trails to help fund the construction, maintenance and improvements of multiuse trails in Billings for the past 16 years. While proud to serve the community under the name BikeNet, the board of directors wanted to give our community a better understanding of the organization’s purpose. Thus, the name Billings TrailNet was created and formally adopted.

 

“The BikeNet name has served us well over the past 15 years but we knew a change was necessary when we hired the face of our organization, Kristi Drake, in 2012.  Our outreach efforts highlighted a disconnect between the name BikeNet and our trail network,” says Patrick Parker, a Billings TrailNet Board Member.  “Cyclists are only a small percentage of our trail users so rebranding was our best strategic alternative,” he adds.

 

Formed in 1999, the organization chose to adopt its original name from the BikeNet Planning Study completed that year. As updates to the plan continued throughout the years, the name of the study also changed from the BikeNet Plan to the Heritage Trail Master Plan, and most recently, to the Billings Area Bikeway and Trail Master Plan.

 

“Our organization’s name was a natural fit when the plan originated and the nonprofit was born to support it,” says Kristi Drake, Executive Director of Billings TrailNet, “however, as the name of the plan changed, so did the need to rename our organization. We want everyone know that we support trails and trail users of all modes,” she adds.

 

Along with the name change, the organization revealed a new logo to start this new era.  Everything else will remain the same however, including our commitment to promoting a healthy, vibrant community through the county’s network of trails.

The concept of trails and active transportation continues to gain momentum and Billings TrailNet aims to be a progressive resource to all members of this community, young and old.  To date, the organization has contributed more than $315,000 for trail expansion and connectivity, including multi-use trails, bicycle lanes, and safe school and neighborhood connections.

 

John Brewer, President and CEO of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, has been a strong proponent of the name change. As a member of the Chamber’s Trails Committee, he believes that “the new name aligns perfectly with the organization’s purpose and adds clarity to the mission.”  “I think the group nailed it and believe it will quickly catch on and quickly replace the old ‘BikeNet’ identity,” John adds.

 

Billings now has more than 47 miles of off-street, multiuse paths and roadway trails. Billings TrailNet provides much needed community match funds for government funding sources for trail development. The most recent projects receiving Billings TrailNet funds are Share the Road signs and pavement markings on Lewis Avenue and the trail segment under Aronson Avenue along Alkali Creek. By providing matching funds for these projects, our community has been able to build more than $3.3 million worth of multiuse trails.

 

“Our main purpose for this change was to broaden our reach and simplify our message.  We will continue to foster the relationships we’ve worked hard at building and make Billings a better place to live and work and play,” said Kristi Drake.  “Ales for Trails will continue to be the ‘Best Party in Billings’, and our efforts to connect the city will stay the course,” she adds. The BikeNet website and Facebook page will be rerouted to billingstrailnet.org, so the transition will occur seamlessly and will be complete over the period of several months.

 

Billings TrailNet is a nonprofit (501c3), grassroots organization whose mission is to promote a complete, community-wide trail system. Our vision is the Billings area as a premier community for healthy lifestyles and active transportation where biking and walking are safe and an integral part of everyday activity.