Cycling in Montana: The Beauty and the Risk

What better way to explore a new place than by bike? Unfortunately, it’s not always an option as a lot of factors have to come together in order for that to work. But, cycling is not only a good way to explore the city, it’s also great for your health. And we can all agree that taking care of our health is something that often slips our minds. 

Those living in Montana are lucky to have such beautiful scenery to admire. It’s a place that draws people in with its breathtaking landscapes and open skies. Plus, the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure are the cherry on the top. 

For many visitors and locals alike, one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is by cycling. Pedaling through winding mountain roads, forest trails, or across the wide stretches of open land is an unforgettable experience. 

But while cycling in Montana offers freedom and beauty, it also comes with risks. Bicycle accidents happen more often than you might think. Especially if the infrastructure isn’t your best ally.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Montana is such a cycling hotspot, what makes riding there riskier than in some other states, and how both visitors and residents can enjoy biking more safely.

Montana’s appeal for cyclists

Montana is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. With attractions like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone’s northern reaches, and endless rural highways, it’d be such a shame to stay indoors, withering away behind your laptop instead of going out and doing something nice for your health. And with cycling, you’re basically working towards lowering the overall mortality rate by at least 9%. 

The state also has a strong culture of adventure tourism. Travelers come not only to hike and fish but also to ride through small towns, scenic byways, and mountain trails.

For road cyclists, the long stretches of quiet pavement offer peace and space that can be hard to find in crowded states. Mountain bikers, on the other hand, can explore rugged trails that push both endurance and skill. 

This variety makes Montana a top destination for riders seeking both challenge and beauty. A lot of tourists visit Montana precisely because of its cycling opportunities. 

The dangers of rural roads

Let’s talk about the less appealing side of it all. While the scenery is unmatched, Montana’s rural setting brings certain challenges. 

Unlike cities with dedicated bike lanes, many of Montana’s roads are narrow, without much shoulder space for cyclists. Vehicles and bicycles often share the same lane, which can lead to dangerous situations as you can already guess. 

Another factor is the speed of traffic. On rural highways, cars and trucks travel at higher speeds, giving drivers less time to react when they come upon a cyclist.

In areas with winding or hilly roads, visibility can also be poor, making it difficult for both cyclists and drivers to see one another in time. 

In such roads, it’s difficult to predict other drivers’ behaviour and cyclist often get into accidents as they belive these roads to be remote and hardly ever used. But the reality paints a different picture. 

As they’re not as frequent, injured cyclist often don’t know who to turn to. But the answer is quite simple and all it takes is reaching out to a bicycle accident lawyer. They can quickly explain all the legal technicalities and at least support with that part of the accident. 

Tourism season and increased risk

Montana’s tourist season, especially in summer, brings thousands of visitors. With them comes more traffic, of course. And that means a lot of tourists who have no idea where they’re going. Unfortunately, this increase in activity can also mean more accidents.

Many visitors aren’t used to driving around cyclists in rural settings. Similarly, cyclists may not be prepared for the mix of local traffic, heavy trucks, and fast-moving vehicles they encounter on highways leading into tourist destinations. 

The combination of inexperience and high traffic volumes makes the summer months a particularly risky time for bicycle accidents in Montana. That’s why, as a cyclist, you should pay extra attention to the road in the summer and always check before switching lanes or making a turn. 

Weather and seasonal conditions

Montana is famous for its unpredictable weather. A sunny day can quickly turn into a day when you wish you had brought your umbrella with you. And a sudden downpour or snow can quickly make your cycling trip turn into a nightmare. 

Wet or icy roads reduce traction for both bicycles and cars, and strong winds in open areas can make it hard for cyclists to maintain balance.

Even in summer, the state’s long daylight hours can sometimes trick riders into staying out later than planned. When the sun dips below the mountains, roads that seemed safe during the day can become hazardous at night due to poor visibility and wildlife crossing. 

If it’s your first time going to Montana, do a bit of research and try to at least get the basic information on the weather forecast. Then you won’t be caught off guard and you’ll be prepared for the weather.

Tips for safer cycling in Montana

Finally, let’s share some tips for all the fellow cyclists. You can take steps to reduce the risk of accidents. Wearing bright clothing and using lights, even during the day, can make you more visible in the road. Planning routes in advance and choosing roads with less traffic can also help.

For drivers, patience and awareness go a long way. Giving cyclists plenty of space when passing and slowing down in areas with limited visibility can prevent accidents. Education for both groups is key to ensuring that everyone can share the road more safely.

The bottom line: Cycling safely

Cycling in Montana is about more than exercise, although cardio is big part of it. But cycling is also about connecting with nature and experiencing wide-open landscapes. Basically, it’s all about getting out of the city and connecting with nature. 

But the same qualities that make Montana so appealing to tourists and locals also bring challenges. The narrow rural roads, unpredictable weather and a busy tourist season make it quite difficult for cyclist to stay safe. But it’s definitely a joined effort and cyclists as well as drivers need to work together to create and promote a safer cycling community.

The key is not to avoid cycling in Montana but to do it more safely. With awareness, preparation, and mutual respect between drivers and riders, the state’s roads and trails can remain a source of joy and adventure  rather than danger and concern.