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Category: Newsletter
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September Newsletter
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Walk Bike August 2025 Newsletter
View this newsletter on MailChimp
August Newsletter
Friends, supporters, and fellow advocates,
My name is John; as you may have heard, I recently stepped into the role of IWBA Board president following the retirement of long time board member and president Molly O’Reilly. I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon Molly’s significant legacy, and excited to help write the next chapter of walking, biking, and rolling in our great state.
It’s no secret that we face a challenging moment for active transportation. Recent legislative efforts have made it harder for communities to build safer infrastructure, and hard-fought projects are now in limbo.
At the same time, it’s easy to find green shoots if you know where to look. Projects across the state have enabled Idahoans of all ages and abilities to move as they see fit. As we travel the state, we find that communities of all shapes and sizes relish the opportunity to be active–if given the chance. You can read more about these efforts below.
At IWBA, we know that active transportation helps build healthier individuals and more vibrant communities. We also know we’re not alone: if you agree, I want to hear from you. Send me a message (john@idahowalkbike.org) and let’s find a time to chat. I’m looking forward to learning from you.
John
Recent Travels
A Summer of Human Powered Rodeo Events
We’re excited to share that Executive Director Ted Hallisey spent his first summer with IWBA designing and launching a new Human-Powered Rodeo program to feature actual rodeo events like keyhole, barrel racing, roping and pole bending with a cycling twist.
Kids and parents were very excited to try the new events during the recent events at library libraries, fairs. We were honored to be invited to join Southeast Idaho communities and host events in Downey, Inkom, Arimo, Lava Hot Springs, and McCammon to be part of their communities every week.
Call or email Ted Hallisey (208-870-1633, ted@idahowalkbike.org) to schedule a Human-Powered Rodeo Event at your school, library, or community events.
IWBA Executive Director Ted Hallisey along with Blackfoot Mayor Marc Carroll and Library Director Tammy Bartlett at Jensens Grove event in Blackfoot.
South Central Idaho Safe Routes to School Programs
Our IWBA Safe Routes to Schools team of David, Tencia, and Charmane created a number of great family-friendly and fun events for kids and families in Buhl, Idaho on 4th of July 2025 with a bike safety program that put smiles on faces of kids and families in Buhl, Idaho on 4th of July 2025 during the annual Sagebrush Days celebration.
David had some very positive feedback from kids and parents: a boy of about 10 shared that he was very thankful, not only for the course, but the chance to ride a bike, because he didn’t have one. Many kids returned throughout the day to ride as their parents enjoyed the fair.
News from our communities
Weigh in on Ada County Highway District Projects
IWBA supporters from Ada County are probably well aware that it’s public comment season. Each year, Ada County Highway District solicits feedback on its Five Year Plan: residents can give granular input on projects proposed to happen (or not happen!) in the next five years.
As planners and engineers navigate the impact of laws passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, it’s more important than ever to voice your support for safe walking and biking infrastructure.
Click the link below to weigh in before September 10th.
ACHD Five Year Plan
New Projects in Pocatello and Boise
Finally, at a time when advocacy for active transportation can feel like an uphill battle, I want to close by quickly highlighting two projects that will soon teach and enable the next generation of walkers, bikers, and rollers.
New Pathways in Pocatello
New multi-use paths are coming to Southeast Idaho thanks to the folks at Portnuef Greenway Foundation.
Learn more
A Place to Practice in Boise
The City of Boise and the Boise Bicycle Project opened their new permanent Traffic Garden, giving kids (and kids at heart) the chance to get more comfortable on a bike in street environments.
Learn more -
Walk Bike June 2025 Newsletter
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance
Advocate – Educate – Celebrate
JUNE
NEWSLETTER
We are adding a brand new IWBA Signature Program
for Rural Kids and Families Idaho Walk Bike Alliance & Cowboy Ted
IWBA wants to feature OUR NEW Human Powered Rodeo Events during Rural Events and County Fairs in YOUR Rural Community in Idaho Fun Family Events – For Rural Communities Host OUR NEW LIVE SIGNATURE EVENT (45 to 60 minutes) at your county fair or rural event Idaho Walk Bike Alliance © 2025 ~ Cowboy Ted’s Foundation for Kids © 2025 HUMAN POWERED RODEO EVENTS Roping the Bull and Stick Horse Riding Events Along with… Fun HUMAN POWERED Rodeo Style Events ~ Walk – Bike – Roll or Stroller through our events ~ Our Human Powered Rodeos – feature events held at actual Rodeos Hosted by Cowboy Ted and IWBA Team Members
www.cowboyted.com
www.idahowalkbike.org
Human-Powered Transportation Advocate – Educate – Celebrate
Walk – Bike – Roll $500 per event
You can Sell Sponsorships and keep the cash Schedule an event at your County Fair or in YOUR Rural Community today (208) 870-1633 ted@idahowalkbike.org
We will be introducing our NEW Community Partner Programs with South Bannock Library District at branch locations and community parks with events at 11 am each day in Downey – Inkom – Arimo – Lava Hot Springs and McCammon June 9-13, 2025 – and hosting our NEW Human Powered Rodeo Events during the Bannock County Fair Aug 4-9, 2025
We will feature fun events for…
READING – ROPING – HUMAN-POWERED RODEO –
along with SAFETY TIPS for WALKING – BIKING – ROLLING
May was Walk, Bike and Roll to School and/or Work Month
Thanks to all who Travel Safely in Communities across IDAHO
Wendell Elementary School in Wendell, Idaho –
Held their 1st Annual Walk/Bike to School Day on May 7th
“I hosted my walk/bike to school day on May 7 at Wendell Elementary School in Wendell Idaho. About 10 students met me at the park and we walked to school together. Other students walked with their parents or by themselves. The kids loved it. I was happy with the turnout. I would have liked to do another one, but I just didn’t get to it before the end of the school year,”
Charmane Davis – IWBA Safe Routes to School Coordinator – Wendell, Idaho and full-time Educator at Wendell Elementary School
Thank You!!! Molly O’Reilly
One of the Founders and our longest serving Board Member at Idaho Walk Bike Alliance – Molly O’Reilly – announced her official retirement from IWBA this week – very fitting during National Walk – Bike and Roll to School Month. Her final day with IWBA was May 28. Please CONGRATULATE Molly and Wish Her Well and let her know you appreciate her efforts to make Idaho a safer place to Walk, Bike and Roll since 2009!!
Send her an e-mail at molly@idahowalkbike.org
Thank You for over 16 Years of Dedicated Service Molly O’Reilly !!
YOU WALK… Bike and Roll
Thank You to all of our friends that donated during IDAHO GIVES in May! -
Walk Bike May 2025 Newsletter
Read the newsletter on Mailchimp Idaho Walk Bike AllianceAdvocate – Educate – Celebrate MAY NEWSLETTER
Welcome our Newest Member to the Board of DirectorsJohn BengtsonJohn is an educator and community organizer who has worked as a teacher and guide, leading students of all ages on the wild rivers and public lands in Maine, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Chile, and Idaho. He moved to Cascade in 2016 to teach high school English, and has lived in Boise since 2022. He currently works with Conservation Voters for Idaho helping make government more accessible to conservation champions across the state.John is passionate about the role that transportation plays in creating strong communities and healthy environments. His skills and professional experience revolve around helping people better understand and participate in complex systems, and is excited to support IWBA’s educational programming and advocacy efforts. We are adding a new IWBA Signature Program
for Rural Kids and FamiliesIdaho Walk Bike Alliance & Cowboy Ted
Community Partners
LIVE SIGNATURE EVENTS (45 to 60 minutes)
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance © 2025 ~ Cowboy Ted’s Foundation for Kids © 2025
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Cowboy Ted’s 8-Steps to Health & Happiness School Assemblies/Libraries/Community Programs
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Respect Yourself and Others
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Lead A Healthy Lifestyle
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Work Hard in School
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Be Nice To Others
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Be Kind to Animals
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Set Goals for Yourself
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No Drugs, Alcohol or Tobacco
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Do One Nice Thing for Another Person Everyday
And we will show you how walking – biking and rolling fit really well with all 8 steps
2. HUMAN POWERED RODEO
Roping the Bull and Stick Horse Riding Events
Along with…
Fun HUMAN POWERED Rodeo Style Events
~ Walk – Bike – Roll or Stroller through our events ~
Unlike other so-called Bike Rodeo Events (basically obstacle courses)
Our Human Powered Rodeos – feature events held at actual Rodeos
Hosted by Cowboy Ted and IWBA Team Members
Human-Powered Transportation
Advocate – Educate – Celebrate Walk – Bike – Roll
Schedule your event today
(208) 870-1633
We will be introducing our NEW Community Partner Programs with South Bannock Library District at branch locations and community parks in Downey – Inkom – Arimo – Lava Hot Springs and McCammon June 9-13 May is Walk, Bike and Roll to School and/or Work Month
Travel Safely in Communities across IDAHO
Thank You to all of our friends that donated during IDAHO GIVES!
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Thank You Molly O’Reilly
One of the founders and our longest serving board member at Idaho Walk Bike Alliance – Molly O’Reilly
announced her official retirement from IWBA this week – during National Walk Bike and Roll to School Month.Her final day with IWBA will be May 28.
Wish Molly well and let her know you appreciate her efforts to make Idaho a safer place to Walk Bike and Roll – since 2009 🚶♀️🚲🦽
Thank You Molly O’Reilly !!
Molly O’Reilly | Founder | Sandpoint, ID
Molly is a founding member and president of the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance. She founded and chaired the City of Sandpoint Pedestrian Advisory Committee and served on Idaho’s Safe Routes to School Committee. Molly is past vice president of America Walks and served on their board for nine years.
In addition, Molly was a founding member of Sensible Transportation Options for People in Portland, Oregon, whose mission was to stop a proposed freeway and advocate for light rail, bikes, smart growth and pedestrians. She served as a Citizen Member for the Portland Metro Region Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee, and she was Executive Director of Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Oregon.
Molly has an extensive background in sales, market research and management. She has a B.A. from Reed College and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
Molly sailed the South Pacific with her husband for four years in the 1990’s, walking many towns and cities from Ecuador to Adelaide between times at sea.
