Evaluation of Non-Motorized Use in Grand Teton National Park Phase II: Post Pathway Construction 2012

Abstract

The 2006 Transportation Plan for Grand Teton National Park proposed 22.5 miles of multi-use pathways outside the road to enhance safety and mobility for travelers using non-motorized modes of transportation in the most visited and developed areas of the park. (Grand Teton National Park Transportation Plan 2006, 2007). Construction of the Phase I Pathway, a 7.7-mile segment between Dornanâs Junction and South Jenny Lake Junction along Teton Park Road began in June 2008 (Figure 1). This report summarizes research conducted by the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University before and after this construction occurred. Researchers counted non-motorized travelers, primarily bicyclists and pedestrians, and administered surveys to learn about visitor perceptions regarding the conditions for non-motorized travel in the park. The primary purpose of this research was to compare the conditions before and after Phase I Pathway was constructed. These results also offer a âpoint-in-timeâ glimpse of current non-motorized usage of this region of the park.