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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 |
