About Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation (MIST)

The Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation (MIST), was established in 1996 as a citizen-based nonprofit organization. We work to create and grow healthy community that is centered on walking, bicycling, public transit, and other sustainable transportation initiatives. Our community vision is as follows:

Imagine: Active walking and cycling cultures; extensive transit systems that run on renewable energy; bicycle station and car share options; safe and flowing vehicle movement; networks of greenway corridors that connect people and open space; an awareness and understanding of transportation issues and impacts.

The most well-known program of MIST is Free Cycles Missoula. Free Cycles operates two primary programs: Open Shop and Build-A-Bike. These programs ensure bikes, parts and skills are available to all. Both programs take place in the community shop on S. 1st Street. The other three programs of MIST focus on growing education, relationships and infrastructure for moving towards sustainable transportation.

MIST goals, objectives, and strategies:

Goals

  • Significantly reduce crashes, pollution and congestion

  • Help create transportation choices

  • Diversify fuel systems

  • Reconnect critical wildlife habitats

  • Contribute to global sustainability

  • Reduce the energy consumed by transportation systems

  • Improve the health of people and communities

  • Help Missoula, Montana become an example and world leader

Objectives

  • Define and promote principles of sustainable transportation

  • Seek out and implement optimal designs for public streets, trails and plazas

  • Improve transportation options

Strategies

  • Facilitate the Missoula Model - MASS, MUGS, T-Hubs and Sustainable Communities

  • Participate in community planning efforts

  • Perform public demonstration projects

  • Develop and publish research

  • Maintain vision maps, a library, and web site

  • Make presentations and lead tours

  • Facilitate roundtable discussions

  • Operate a well-running community bicycle center

A strong part of MIST and Free Cycles are social events. These gatherings bring people together, introduces the organization to new people, and provide a space for other community groups and nonprofits to assemble. These types of spaces are essential for community development.

Future additional programs include a bicycle innovation lab, a community bike share, a city design center and a community café.

A fuller program and property vision can be found at freecycles.org/vision. This vision is a work in progress. Get in touch with us if you’d like to be involved.

MIST is involved with the street, trail, and public place projects taking place in Missoula. From helping create the first Missoula bike lanes in 1997 to participating in current discussions on making safer and more equitable streets, we aim to be a passionate and consistent force for positive change. We have expertise is understanding trends, data, needs, and opportunities for healthy community mobility. Please get in touch with us if you have ideas for sustainable transportation, would like to help, or need assistance with a project to improve the community.