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Author: Ted Hallisey
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June 2026 Newsletter
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Featured In Caribou County News
Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools and “Cowboy Ted” host Human-Powered Rodeo events for preschoolers in Bancroft
Preschoolers at North Gem Elementary School had a special visit from the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey on April 6 and 7. Hallisey hosted a pair of Reading and Human-Powered Ro- deo sessions for three and four-year- old students in Bancroft, as part of the Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools program.
Jessica McCulloch coordinated the programs with Hallisey last month before going on maternity leave and giving birth to another child on April 2nd. Hallisey read one of his books to the kids and also provided a pair of books for each student to take home. The reading session was followed by a Human-Powered Rodeo session that featured Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Flag Race and Keyhole events that are traditionally performed on horseback at rodeo and gymkhana events in rural communities.
The Human-Powered Rodeo events were created by Hallisey when he was hired as Executive Director for Idaho Walk Bike Alliance last March. Hallisey said he wanted to create events that are familiar to rural kids and are events that are actually performed at rodeo events unlike some of the current Bike Rodeo events hosted by other organizations.
“Our New Signature Human-Powered Rodeo events are designed specifically for kids and families in rural communities, Hallisey said. “We want to teach kids how to walk, bike and roll safely to school and to other locations across Idaho. And we want the events to be fun for kids and espe- cially for rural kids and communities which are our primary audience and focus in Idaho.”
Kids and families are invited to walk, bike, or roll through the pole bending course, barrel racing pattern and key-hole activity – along with flag race and a chance to rope the bull (a metal and fiberglass roping buddy – not a real bull), according to Hallisey. Kids can choose to ride a stick horse or scooter or both during the activities and they are encouraged to enjoy the events at home too and also use a bike.
“My daughter and nephew had so much fun!” said Malyssa Hainline. “Thank you for doing this for our kids.”
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance has also created one of the most comprehensive online Safety Resources libraries in Idaho and across the Mountain West on their website at www.idahowalkbike.org/resources and is available to educators, parents and kids.
The IWBA Safety Resources page features lesson plans, animated features and videos that showcase safety and wellness activities for rural kids and families.
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and Cowboy Ted will be back in Bancroft to host additional Safe Routes to Schools and wellness programs during the Summer Reading program at the North Gem library. Cowboy Ted will read one of his 12 books for kids during weekly sessions each Tuesday at 10 am in June and July and the reading session will be followed by more activities to show kids how to walk, bike and safely across Idaho.
Hallisey said, “I had so much fun in Bancroft and I’m really looking forward to hosting weekly reading and Human-Powered Rodeo sessions at 10 am on Tuesdays in June and July.” “We will definitely be there!” commented Hainline. “All of my kids are super excited for it.”
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May 2026 Newsletter
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MAY 2026 Newsletter
WALK ~ BIKE & ROLL ~ SAFELY IN IDAHO
Donate to IWBA
during
IDAHO GIVES MAY 4 -7
Idaho Gives for IWBA May 6 is National Roll to School Day
IWBA will host Human-Powered Rodeo events in Southeast and Eastern Idaho in MAY
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance will host a Trio of Human-Powered Rodeo events in Eastern Idaho in May.
The first event will be held in Blackfoot on May 7 from 9 to 2 during the Bingham County 4H Ag Safety Day at the Eastern Idaho Fairgrounds. We will welcome 300 5th graders from Blackfoot and Fort Hall to enjoy HUMAN-POWERED RODEO.
Executive Director – “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey will host IWBA’s new SIGNATURE events that features events that are normally held on horseback at actual rodeos. Kids will ride stick horses and scooters in four events – barrel racing – pole bending – keyhole race – flag race. Cowboy Ted will also teach kids how to rope the metal and fiberglass bull during the 3 events.
The second event will be held along with Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools during the Girls Scouts of Silver Sage Idaho – Community Bloom and Open House on MAY 16 in Pocatello from 1 to 3 and kids will ride stick horses and scooters around the traditional rodeo events. Cowboy Ted will also present FREE KID’S BOOKS to the first 88 kids at each event.
The 3rd event will be at HARWOOD ELEMENTARY in Rigby, Idaho on MAY 26 during the Harwood FIELD DAY for all 420 students to have fun with Human-Powered Rodeo and receive FREE Cowboy Ted Books and Safe Routes to Schools of East Idaho information and Safety Resources.
IWBA FACEBOOK Upcoming Events
MAY
May 7 in Blackfoot for Bingham County 4H for Ag Safety Day-300 kids 9:30 to 2:30
May 16 Girl Scouts Community Bloom Open House and Ribbon Cutting – Pocatello 1 to 3
May 19-21 Mountain West Trails Annual Conference – with Rails to Trails Rock Springs Wyo
May 26 Harwood Elementary School Field Day in Rigby – 420 students all day
JUNE
June 15 Grace Library Reading and HP Rodeo event 10:30 & 1 pm – over 100 kids expected
June 22 Grace Library Reading and HP Rodeo event 10:30 & 1 pm – over 100 kids expected
June 25 Harwood Elementary – Rigby 10 to 12 After-School SUMMER Program – kids/parents
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Bancroft Summer Reading Program – Reading and HPRodeo event 10 am
June 30 Reading/Human Powered Rodeo Day Cornerstone Learning Hub / Pocatello 1 pm
JULY
July 7, 14, 21, 28 Bancroft Summer Reading Program – Reading and HPRodeo event 10 am
GOAL IDAHO Please consider a donation to Help FUND our efforts to encourage kids & families to SAFELY Walk – Bike – Roll across Idaho – by sponsoring a Human-Powered Transportation event
www.idahowalkbike.org/transportation
Sponsor an Event Donate -
April 2026 Newsletter
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IWBA FACEBOOK IWBA hosts events for preschoolers in Bancroft
Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools and “Cowboy Ted” host Human-Powered Rodeo events for preschoolers in Bancroft
Preschoolers at North Gem Elementary School had a special visit from the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey on April 6 and 7. Hallisey hosted a pair of Reading and Human-Powered Rodeo sessions for three and four-year-old students in Bancroft, as part of the Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools program.
Jessica McCulloch coordinated the programs with Hallisey last month – before going on maternity leave and giving birth to another child on April 2nd.
Hallisey read one of his books to the kids and also provided a pair of books for each student to take home. The reading session was followed by a Human-Powered Rodeo session that featured Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Flag Race and Keyhole events – that are traditionally performed on horseback at rodeo and gymkhana events in rural communities.
The Human-Powered Rodeo events were created by Hallisey when he was hired as Executive Director for Idaho Walk Bike Alliance last March. Hallisey said he wanted to create events that are familiar to rural kids and are events that are actually performed at rodeo events – unlike some of the current Bike Rodeo events hosted by other organizations.
“Our New Signature Human-Powered Rodeo events are designed specifically for kids and families in rural communities, Hallisey said. “We want to teach kids how to walk, bike and roll safely to school and to other locations across Idaho. And we want the events to be fun for kids and especially for rural kids and communities which are our primary audience and focus in Idaho.”
Kids and families are invited to walk , bike or roll through the pole bending course, barrel racing pattern and keyhole activity – along with flag race and a chance to rope the bull (a metal and fiberglass roping buddy – not a real bull), according to Hallisey. Kids can choose to ride a stick horse or scooter or both during the activities and they are encouraged to enjoy the events at home too and also use a bike.
“My daughter and nephew had so much fun!,” said Malyssa Hainline. “Thank you for doing this for our kids.”
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance has also created one of the most comprehensive online Safety Resources libraries in Idaho and across the Mountain West on their website at www.idahowalkbike.org/resources and is available to educators, parents and kids.
The IWBA Safety Resources page features lesson plans, animated features and videos that showcase safety and wellness activities for rural kids and families.
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and Cowboy Ted will be back in Bancroft to host additional Safe Routes to Schools and wellness programs during the Summer Reading program at the North Gem library. Cowboy Ted will read one of his 12 books for kids during weekly sessions each Tuesday at 10 am in June and July and the reading session will be followed by more activities to show kids how to walk, bike and safely across Idaho.
Hallisey said, “I had so much fun in Bancroft and I’m really looking forward to hosting weekly reading and Human-Powered Rodeo sessions at 10 am on Tuesdays in June and July.”
“We will definitely be there!!, commented Hairline. “All of my kids are super excited for it.”
Upcoming Events
APRIL HUMAN-POWERED TRANSPORTATION (HPT) EVENTS
April 6/7 Reading and HP Rodeo for Preschoolers at North Gem Elementary in Bancroft 1:45
April 18 Portneuf Environmental Day Human Powered Rodeo/FREE Kids Books noon to 3
April 18 Healthy Kids Fair – Idaho Falls YMCA – 9 am to noon – HP Rodeo/FREE Kids Books
April 20 Lava Hot Springs Academy Wellness and Safe Routes to School Assembly – 1:30
April 25 National Celebrate Trails Day-Caribou County GOAL trail clean up day Soda Springs
April 27 Power County Transportation Coalition in American Falls 7pm
April 28 Blackfoot School District After School Program 2 of 4 elementary schools 4 to 6
April 30 Blackfoot School District After School Program other 2 elementary schools 4 to 6
April 30 Lava Hot Springs Academy Human Powered Rodeo in all PE classes– 12:30 to 2:30
MAY
May 7 in Blackfoot for Bonneville County 4H for Ag Safety Day-250 kids 9:30 to 2:30
May 16 Girl Scouts Open House and Ribbon Cutting – Pocatello
May 19-21 Mountain West Trails Annual Conference – with Rails to Trails Rock Springs Wyo
May 26 Harwood Elementary School Field Day in Rigby – 420 students all day
JUNE
June 15 Grace Library Reading and HP Rodeo event 10:30 & 1 pm – over 100 kids expected
June 22 Grace Library Reading and HP Rodeo event 10:30 & 1 pm – over 100 kids expected
June 25 Harwood Elementary – Rigby 10 to 12 After-School SUMMER Program – kids/parents
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Bancroft Summer Reading Program – Reading and HPRodeo event 10 am
June 30 Reading/Human Powered Rodeo Day Cornerstone Learning Hub / Pocatello 10 am
JULY
July 7, 14, 21, 28 Bancroft Summer Reading Program – Reading and HPRodeo event 10 am
Please consider a donation to Help FUND our efforts to encourage kids & families to SAFELY Walk – Bike – Roll across Idaho – by sponsoring a Human-Powered Transportation event
www.idahowalkbike.org/transportation
Sponsor an Event Donate -
March 2026 Newsletter
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March 2026 Newsletter
WALK ~ BIKE & ROLL ~ SAFELY IN IDAHO
Idaho organizations join thousands to ask Congress to Fund the Next
Surface Transportation Bill
Idaho Organizations: Bike Guide Wilderness Voyageurs ~ Boise Bicycle Project
Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization ~ City Cycling Guide
DV Groberg Co. ~ Idaho Falls Community Pathways ~ Idaho Trails Association
~ Idaho Walk Bike Alliance ~ The Wilderness Need Association
Over 1,000 Organizations Come Together With A Clear Message for
Congress: Walking and Biking Infrastructure Is Essential ~ As Congress Develops Country’s Next Surface Transportation Bill, Advocates Warn that Vital Programs That Make It Safe to Walk And Bike Are At Risk
Washington (Feb. 2, 2026)–Today, the nation’s leading advocacy organizations for trails, walking and bicycling—the American Hiking Society, American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, PeopleForBikes, Rails to Trails Conservancy and the Safe Routes Partnership—sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee with a clear message on behalf of over 1,100 organizations and millions of Americans: Walking and biking infrastructure is essential to the vitality, safety and economic resilience of communities small and large nationwide.
Background
Currently, committee chairmen Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and ranking members Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wa.) are leading efforts to pass the country’s next surface transportation bill before the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act expires on Sept. 30, 2026. Bill drafts are expected later this month and will define the future of vital federal programs, like Transportation Alternatives, that have long provided the majority of funding to create, connect and maintain the country’s walking and biking infrastructure and make it safe for people to navigate their communities. These programs have supported the development of over 42,500 miles of multiuse trails nationwide, hundreds of developing trail networks that provide safe transportation and recreation in every single state, and countless projects to create safe walking and bicycling routes nationwide.
What’s at Stake
According to letter organizers, this situation carries significant urgency. There are strong indicators that the future of federal programs that invest in safe walking and biking infrastructure is at risk when it is most needed—20 people die walking in the U.S. every day and people biking and walking account for a significant proportion of the 40,000 people killed on our roadways each year. As the bill is being
developed, some Congressional leaders have indicated that it will harken back to a traditional bill that predates Transportation Alternatives’ introduction in 1991, only funding vehicle infrastructure with no investment in trails, bike paths or transit. At the same time, calls from special interest groups like the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials to consolidate and lessen the already limited spending power of these programs are cause for serious concern.
Action Needed
In response to these threats, more than 1,100 nonprofit organizations, businesses, corporations and elected officials representing millions of constituents and a broad cross-section of American priorities—from manufacturing to agriculture, healthcare, economic development, tourism and retail—have come together to demonstrate the widespread need for Congress to protect these important programs. In a letter sent to Congress on Feb. 2, 2026, signatories that represent the widespread interests of Americans are calling for the next surface transportation bill to include a fortified Transportation Alternatives program, and maintain broad eligibility for trails, walking and bicycling across transportation programs, as well as existing provisions for safe walking and bicycling.
Keep America Active Idaho Walk Bike Alliance
PARTNER FEATURE
~ CARIBOU COUNTY ~
Get Outside and Live IDAHO (GOAL)
GET OUTSIDE AND LIVE IDAHO MEET OUR NEW IWBA BOARD MEMBER
Kelly Hewes ~ Boise, Idaho
Idaho Trails Association ~ Communications Director
Kelly Hewes grew up in Grangeville, Idaho, where she developed a deep love of nature and exploring new places from an early age.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has spent her career working in nonprofit marketing.
As the Communications Director for Idaho Trails Association, she is passionate about encouraging people to get outside and connecting volunteers with Idaho’s incredible trail community.
Kelly and her husband own a media production company, Tandem Lens, and have traveled to more than 20 countries as filmmakers and photographers. While she loves international adventures, she also finds endless beauty and wonder close to home in Idaho.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys backpacking, hiking, bicycling, gardening, looking for bugs, and sharing her love of the outdoors with her two sons.
Meet the IWBA Leadership Team 
UPDATE Current Legislation that relate to Walking – Biking and Rolling in Idaho
Special Thanks to Marisa Keith of Idaho Smart Growth for sharing these updates
Sponsor: Rep. Mathias, 19, Boise
Clarifies statute that drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with electric bikes. Also makes it clear that operators of electric assisted bikes must also follow traffic laws and have the same duties that motor vehicle operators have.
2/9 Passed unanimously by the House Transportation and Defense Committee: Passed on House Floor (68-0-2) and referred to Senate Transportation. Passed unanimously by Senate Transportation 2/17 and sent to the senate
Sponsor: Rep. Brooke Green, 18, Boise
In response to SB 1140 & 1144 which were signed into law last year which mandates roads be designed for priority of cars, restricts bike and pedestrian projects and makes it a misdemeanor for anyone who votes in violation of the law to receive fine up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.. This bill would allow federal funds or grants to be used to improve bike and pedestrian facilities when funds are received for that purpose. Also amends the violation for violating law to only include elected officials or officers and removes the word ‘person’.
Sponsor: Rep Jon Weber, 34, Rexburg
Does away with requirement to have vehicle registration sticker on license plate.
H628, Rep Mendive, 5, Coeur d’Alene
Parent-Student Driver’s Training. Would change law to allow all parents to teach driver’s ed to their child regardless of if their school district has a drivers ed program.
S490, Rep Pohanka, 26, JeromeAdds to reckless driving to include anyone who drives at speed greater than 20 mph over the posted speed limit in a school zone or construction zone.
Sponsor: Senator Lori Den Hartog, 22, Meridian
Would require single county highway districts to be partisan, have a primary election and be elected county wide but require candidates to reside in respective districts. Would only apply to Ada County. This would be in effect for this year’s May 2026 Primary.
Legislation Status by bill number Portneuf Greenway Reaches 20 Miles With East-Side Path Expansion in Pocatello
Featured in Cycling West Magazine
The Portneuf Greenway Foundation, in cooperation with private donors, the City of Pocatello, Bannock County, and the Idaho Transportation Department, recently completed a major expansion of the paved, separated multi-use path system in Pocatello, Idaho. The expansion added almost two miles of path and increased the Portneuf Greenway system to more than 20 miles of paved, ADA-accessible paths in the Pocatello and Chubbuck, Idaho, area.
On the east side of the city, the new paths provide residents and visitors with easy access between neighborhoods and local attractions, including the Bannock County Event Center, the Portneuf Wellness Complex, the Mountainview Event Center, and Idaho State University.
The Portneuf Greenway Foundation is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that facilitates the construction and operation of paved, non-motorized paths in the cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck and does not receive any direct public funding.
Portneuf Greenway Foundation CYCLING WEST Idaho Walk Bike Alliance
is pleased to announce our new partnership
with
RAILS TO TRAILS CONSERVANCY
And we will be co-hosting lots of events in 2026
~ Including several hiking and biking events –
Celebrate Trails Day on April 25, 2026
Rails to Trails – Celebrate Trails Day – PARTNER Tool Kit Please consider a donation to Help FUND our efforts to encourage kids & families to SAFELY Walk – Bike – Roll across Idaho – by sponsoring a Human-Powered Transportation event
www.idahowalkbike.org/transportation
Sponsor an Event Donate -
February 2026 Newsletter
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February 2026 Newsletter
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance introduces new on-line SAFETY RESOURCES Library
MEDIA RELEASE
February 7, 2026
Contacts: Ted Hallisey – Idaho Walk Bike Alliance (208) 870-1633
Haley Reed Southeast Idaho Council of Governments (509) 518-0809
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Adds Online Safety Resources to Website
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance has added a new Safety Resources link to their website to offer online Safety Resources including; animations, videos, activity plans and lesson plans to make safety available to all at www.idahowalkbike.org/resources
The new Safety Resources are a collaborative effort between Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, Cowboy Ted’s Foundation for Kids and Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to School. The primary focus is on Safety Resources for non-motorized transportation.
In addition to hosting Safe Routes to Schools programs and Human-Powered Transportation events in person in Southeast Idaho – the 4 member collaboration wants to make Safety Resources available online for kids, families, educators and the public throughout the state of Idaho – to view and use on their own too. There will also be a link to www.cowboyted.com for additional resources.
“I absolutely love hosting live events for kids and families,” reported “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey, Executive Director for Idaho Walk Bike Alliance. “But, we also want parents, teachers, health professionals and kids to be able to access our Safety Resources on their own. And with a combination of fun animations for younger kids, lesson plans and activity plans for educators and videos for families to enjoy walking, biking and rolling safely across Idaho.”
Hallisey and fellow Safe Routes to School coordinator Haley Reed will collect, create and share the online resources to the www.idahowalkbike.org/resources website on a regular basis with the goal of having a Safety Resource for each week of the year. There are over 30 resources available now.
“We hope these Safety Resources will help kids and families learn how to travel safely in a new and fun way,” added Haley Reed of SICOG.
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance will also be coordinating internships and fellowships with Boise State University and University of Idaho – to invite college students to serve as interns to create lesson plans, safety videos, safety animations and even host events for Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools and IWBA programs across the state of Idaho.
“We are also partnering with a number of media outlets in Idaho to help us create and share Safety Resources with the public and add to our online Safety Resource library,” Hallisey concluded.
For more information on the new Safety Resources go to www.idahowalkbike.org/resources
or contact Hallisey by phone at (208) 870-1633 or email at ted@idahowalkbike.org
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance SAFETY RESOURCES Library MEET OUR NEW IWBA BOARD MEMBER
Bryce Blankenship | Moscow, ID
Bryce Blankenship is passionate about community, connection, and creative action — focusing on getting people together to learn, explore, and advocate.
He is currently a Senior Instructor teaching Philosophy at The University of Idaho in Moscow and also is serving on the Moscow City Council.
He is passionate about his work both as an educator and as an elected official — being able to work with diverse populations carrying varying viewpoints all sharing in community together.
When not wearing one of his ‘professional’ hats (he’s also a bartender, too!) you can find him out on the trails on Moscow Mountain, in the saddle of his Peugeot riding the streets and backroads of the Palouse, or sipping a beverage with good folks.
He’s looking forward to serving on the IWBA Board in order to continue to foster advocacy in our Great State.
Meet the IWBA Leadership Team UPDATE Current Legislation that relates to Walking – Biking and Rolling in Idaho
Special Thanks to Marisa Keith of Idaho Smart Growth for sharing these updates
Sponsor: Rep. Mathias, 19, Boise
Clarifies statute that drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with electric bikes. Also makes it clear that operators of electric assisted bikes must also follow traffic laws and have the same duties that motor vehicle operators have.
2/9 Passed unanimously by the House Transportation and Defense Committee: Lots of discussion over the difference between e bikes and motor bikes (Surrons). Questions about if a drivers license would be needed for an e bike. Lots of concerns that were outside scope of this bill, such has how this might affect hunting with a vehicle. There may be more bills in future sessions about the definitions of e-bikes and other transportation methods, also adding scooters like Lime into statute. Questions about if e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks now and if they have to follow traffic laws will they be allowed on sidewalks in the future.
Will be heard on house floor probably Tuesday 2/10.
Sponsor: Rep. Brooke Green, 18, Boise
In response to SB 1140 & 1144 which were signed into law last year which mandates roads be designed for priority of cars, restricts bike and pedestrian projects and makes it a misdemeanor for anyone who votes in violation of the law to receive fine up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.. This bill would allow federal funds or grants to be used to improve bike and pedestrian facilities when funds are received for that purpose. Also amends the violation for violating law to only include elected officials or officers and removes the word ‘person’.
1/21 Introduced and referred for printing. Will be referred to the Transportation and Defense Committee, no hearing date yet.
Legislation Status by bill number Share your Bike-Related News and Events with Cycling West Magazine
Any IDAHO cycling stories or news to contribute?
We are looking for stories on touring, travel, racing, adventure, commuting, coaching, and any other cool cycling subjects. Editorials? Race reports are welcome too, whether a race recap or a personal experience. Bike art, photos, and bike poetry welcome too. Some articles may be a better fit for our website, and some for the magazine. We appreciate your IDAHO article contributions!
• Cycling West’s Winter Issue is in bike shops and online – see link below
• Cycling West’s Early Spring issue article deadline is soon – around 2-20-25.
Subscribe to the press and article deadline calendar in your favorite calendar programThanks very much and Happy Cycling!
Dave Iltis – Editor – Cycling Utah
801-574-3413
CYCLING WEST Still over 10 days to Join IWBA in supporting Team Red, White & Blue for the GWOT in IDAHO and log YOUR 100 miles in February
The GWOT 100 is a national 100-mile challenge honoring those who served during the Global War on Terror. Inspired by the 15-year tradition of the Taji 100, this new chapter—led by Team Red, White & Blue—carries this event forward. This is first and foremost a virtual event – our goal is to get as many people as possible moving 100 miles in February.
GWOT 100 – National Virtual Challenge (Main Event)
Complete 100 miles during February in any way you choose: run, walk, ruck, cycle, swim, row, SkiErg, elliptical, stair climber, or Jacob’s Ladder. Go solo or with your community—what matters is showing up and honoring our nation’s heroes.
This event is for everyone – not just GWOT vets. Sign up, challenge yourself, and be part of something special.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Riley
Volunteer State Coordinator
TEAM RWB Idaho, and Wyoming
wayne.riley@teamrwb.org
teamrwb.orgGWOT 100 CHALLENGE 
Idaho Trails Association Idaho Walk Bike Alliance
is pleased to announce our new partnership
with Idaho Trails Association
And we will be co-hosting lots of events in 2026
~ Including several hiking events – along with another NEW partner – Rails to Trails Conservancy
on Celebrate Trails Day on April 25, 2026
– Please consider joining us and co-hosting an event @ YOUR LOCAL LOCATION
Rails to Trails – Celebrate Trails Day – PARTNER Tool Kit Please consider a donation to Help FUND our efforts to encourage kids & families to SAFELY Walk – Bike – Roll across Idaho – by sponsoring a Human-Powered Transportation event
www.idahowalkbike.org/transportation
Sponsor an Event Donate -
Featured in Cycling West: Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Launches Online Safety Resource Hub
Visit Cycling West to read the story!
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New Safety Resources Program
We are pleased to announce a new four-organization collaboration to host wellness and safety programs designed specifically for rural kids and families in the seven Southeast Idaho Counties of Bannock, Bear River, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power.
Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools and Cowboy Ted’s Foundation for Kids have recently entered into an official Memorandum of Understanding to deliver programs to Rural Kids & Families in Southeast Idaho.
Program offerings will include a variety of activities designed with rural kids and communities in mind and will consist of Safe Routes to Schools Programs, Human-Powered Rodeo Activities, 8-Steps to Good Health Wellness Assemblies and other customized Human-Powered Transportation activities that the new multi-organization team will host for families, schools, libraries, local & county fairs and other local community events. (List of activities/events attached)
We have discovered that rural communities are often overlooked during the delivery of wellness programs. We plan to make Rural Communities our priority and offer programs and activities that will be fun and familiar for Rural Kids and Communities.
Cowboy Ted Hallisey will host many of the Rural Events with a first-hand perspective/awareness of some of the differences experienced by Rural Communities over their urban counterparts. He grew up in a rural community and has made sure to customize assemblies and activities to allow rural kids to stay in their comfort zone – as they have fun with safety and wellness activities.
Schools, local elected officials, libraries, preschools, community organizations, local fair and 4H leaders and members of the community are encouraged to contact SICOG or reach out to Ted directly to schedule events and/or to talk about details for your specific program’s needs.
To see all of our learning resources, take a look at our Resources Page full of high quality learning material!
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January 2026 Newsletter
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January 2026 Newsletter
Happy New Year – 2026
From the IWBA Leadership Team,
“Cowboy” Ted Hallisey – Executive Director,
Chris Staley – BOD Chair/Treasurer, Mark Pemble – BOD Secretary,
Joe Groberg – BOD Member, Katie Mathias – BOD Member, Haley Reed – BOD Member
IWBA – Southeast Idaho Council of Governments – Cowboy Ted’s Kids Club and Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools – are launching their NEW Collaborative Human-Powered Transportation and Safe Routes to Schools program in BANNOCK – BEAR LAKE – BINGHAM – CARIBOU – FRANKLIN – ONEIDA and POWER counties in Southeast Idaho
Southeast Idaho Sate Routes to School Welcome our new IWBA Board Members
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is pleased to introduce and welcome our new members to the Board of Directors
Katie Mathias, M.Ed., J.D | Board Member | Boise, ID
Katie Mathias is the Deputy to the Associate Dean for Educator Preparation and Undergraduate Programs at Boise State University, where she manages staff and program operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and coordinates all activities related to student support, accreditation, and federal reporting. She serves as a representative for four-year public educator preparation programs on Idaho’s Professional Standards Commission, a role she previously coordinated at the Idaho Department of Education.
With extensive K-12 experience, Katie has taught in both public and independent schools and supported charter school board relations across more than 30 states. In addition to her institutional work, Katie serves the broader education community; she has been recognized for public service and civic engagement, including appointment as a commissioner with Serve Idaho, where she contributes to community service and volunteerism efforts statewide.
A proud AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) alum, she served in Class 9 in the Southeastern Region, an experience that deepened her commitment to public service. Originally from New Hampshire and raised in New Jersey, Katie now resides in Boise with her partner, Chris, and their two children. She holds both a Master’s in Education and a Juris Doctorate.
Haley Reed | Board Member | Idaho Falls, ID
Haley Reed is the Safe Routes to School Coordinator at Southeast Idaho Council of Governments. Haley works with the schools and cities across Bingham, Power, Bannock, Caribou, Oneida, Franklin, and Bear Lake counties, to encourage safe walking and biking practices. She also aids with community walk audits and projects to promote infrastructure that will protect kids on their route to school.
Haley received a bachelor’s degree in public health and began her career at the Utah County Health Department. In 2024, she moved to Pocatello with her husband and began working for Safe Routes to School shortly afterwards. She loves this field and enjoys focusing her work on programs that help families live healthy, active lives.
When not at work, Haley loves walking and hiking the various trails around Pocatello and playing tennis with her family.
IWBA Board Of Directors Join IWBA in supporting Team Red, White and Blue for the GWOT 100 mile challenge in Idaho in February
The GWOT 100 is a national 100-mile challenge honoring those who served during the Global War on Terror. Inspired by the 15-year tradition of the Taji 100, this new chapter—led by Team Red, White & Blue—carries this event forward. This is first and foremost a virtual event – our goal is to get as many people as possible moving 100 miles in February.
GWOT 100 – National Virtual Challenge (Main Event)
Complete 100 miles during February in any way you choose: run, walk, ruck, cycle, swim, row, SkiErg, elliptical, stair climber, or Jacob’s Ladder. Go solo or with your community—what matters is showing up and honoring our nation’s heroes.
This event is for everyone – not just GWOT vets. Sign up, challenge yourself, and be part of something special.
Choose Your Experience:
Free Option – Join at no cost and be part of the movement.
Basic Gear Package – $55 – Finisher’s medal, race bib, and decal.
Full Gear Package – $75 – All Basic Gear plus a commemorative t-shirt.
100% of proceeds from this event go to fund Team RWB’s programs for veterans.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Riley
Volunteer State Coordinator
TEAM RWB Idaho, and Wyoming
wayne.riley@teamrwb.org
teamrwb.orgGWOT 100 CHALLENGE Please consider a first-of-year donation to Help FUND our efforts to encourage kids and families to SAFELY Walk – Bike and Roll across Idaho – by sponsoring a Human-Powered Transportation program
www.idahowalkbike.org/transportation
or making a first-of-year donation online at www.idahowalkbike.org
Sponsor an Event Donate
