The High-Tech Stroller: Getting Data to Make Trails More Accessible

Gill (left and inset) and GVLT Trails Project Manager Lulu Herrera measuring the trails at Snowfill Recreation Area.

By Gill Thorp, GVLT Trail Stewardship Coordinator

This summer, I had the unique pleasure of getting to know Nellie: our High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) machine. I mapped over 30 miles of trails in Bozeman while getting curious stares from hikers as they saw me pushing a baby stroller around GVLT’s signature trails.

That “baby stroller” is actually a HETAP machine, a device designed to gather objective data about our trails, including the distance, grade, cross slope, width, and material. These items are recorded with the exact GPS location of trail features. This information will help us improve accessibility and give recreationalists a heads-up about what to expect before exploring the trail. Our intent is to help folks make informed decisions about which trails they want to explore, especially if they’re looking for something more accessible or trying to avoid a surprise climb that feels more like an expedition than a casual hike.

While out on the trail with Nellie, I got my fair share of questions. “Are you watching Netflix?” was a classic, and “Where’s your baby?” definitely topped the list of inquiries I received. Most hikers were pretty confused by what I was doing, but a few brave souls were curious enough to ask, “What in the world is that thing?

The HETAP “stroller” is essentially a cart with a Garmin GPS and computer attached, rolling along the trail and collecting data. The wheels measure the distance covered, and as the cart moves, it records the grade and cross slope of the trail. This information is collected in real time, meaning the data is automatically displayed while I manually log features like tread width, trail surface type, and any notable features, like bridges, benches, accessible parking, and crosswalks. I also make note of things like social trails or areas that need maintenance for our Trail Stewardship Team. After completing each hike, I bring the cart and laptop back to the office to analyze the data.

The HETAP project aligns with our recent launch of an all-abilities trail at Sunset Hills. With data from the HETAP, we can provide details to people using adaptive mountain bikes or other mobility aids. Information like trail width or surface material may be beneficial in deciding whether a trail is suitable for their needs. GVLT plans to make this data available online and at the Sunset Hills trailhead so anyone can check out the trail details before they hit the trailhead.

GVLT will also use HETAP data to improve our trail stewardship capabilities. The device records features like extreme dips in the trail, problem areas like social trails in need of revegetation, and sections where the tread needs to be widened (I’m looking at you, Highland Glen!). With this data, our Trails Team can come up with more targeted maintenance plans for the upcoming seasons, even when the trails are under feet of snow.

In total, I spent over 100 hours this summer hanging out with Nellie, cruising around trails, collecting data, and sometimes dodging hikers bewildered stares. As my season comes to an end, I’m really looking forward to seeing how all this information gets put to use, and hopefully I’ll see some shiny new Trail Accessibility Information signs at our trailheads!