Route of the Hiawatha bike trail sees record visitors during COVID-19 outbreak
MISSOULA, Mont. — COVID-19 caused some businesses to close their doors for good, but for the Route of the Hiawatha scenic bike trail, it has done the opposite.
Director of marketing and sales Matt Sawyer said if business keeps booming through the end of the season, they will break a record for the most visitors ever. They broke a record last season, as well, with more than 60,000 visitors.
Trail riders said they feel comfortable riding the route because of the amount of space available for social distancing.
Riders must go inside the lodge to pick up tickets and rent bikes.
Sawyer said people are encouraged to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines inside the lodge. There is tape on the floor indicating a 6-foot distance.
He added that riders are encouraged to mask up on the buses, which carry riders back to the start of the trail.
