Please call or email Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and ask him to sign House Bill 334, which addresses Safe Routes to School! (contact info below)

Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Presented Legislation, Idaho Legislature Responded

2017 marks a significant milestone in Idaho Walk Bike Alliance’s history—for the first time, we sponsored a bill in the Idaho Legislature. When the session convened January 9, the Safe Routes to School – Healthy Kids campaign, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association, presented draft legislation to support the national Safe Routes to School program with state dollars.

With the help of key legislative advisors and Senate leadership, Senate Bill 1121, the Safe Routes to School – Healthy Kids legislation had a hearing before the Senate Transportation Committee on March 2. (Check out photos and videos from the hearing on our Facebook album and Facebook video library.) The committee room was packed, passionate speakers testified in support of S1121, and it passed with a UNANIMOUS vote.

Lisa Brady with Treasure Valley Safe Routes to School program, Joe Wyatt, Cynthia Gibson with Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, and Courtney Wyatt after the Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on March 2.

Sen. Dan Johnson (R), Lewiston, giving testimony in favor of Senate Bill 1121 at the Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on March 2.

Days later the full Senate endorsed S1121 with a 27-8 vote, adding more momentum and crucial support for this important program. Members of the House were prepared to vote enthusiastically for this bill, which benefited all communities in Idaho, especially the rural and remote towns. Unfortunately, the House Transportation & Defense Committee declined to hear S1121 before the end of the session, precluding those representatives the opportunity to voice their support.

And then a fascinating thing happened.

On Wednesday, March 28, Rep. Janet Trujillo (R), Idaho Falls, offered legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Mat Erpelding (D), Boise, that addresses Safe Routes to School. House Bill 334, appeared at the last moment as a companion piece to the major transportation bill the Legislature wanted to pass before adjournment. Trujillo began her presentation by recounting the story of her grandson being hit by a truck while he bicycled to school. She impressed upon the members the importance of Safe Routes to School and inspired the body to vote overwhelmingly in favor of it. Within 24 hours, H334 passed through both the House and the Senate easily, with collective votes totaling 92-11. It awaits the governor’s signature.

Speaking of which, here’s your ACTION ALERT to help push through H334:

Please call or email Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, asking him to sign H334, because of the Safe Routes to School language. Here is his contact information:

• governor@gov.idaho.gov
• (208) 334-2100

Use this link for basic messaging tips for contacting the governor. It’s easy!

The Safe Routes to School Program provides education and safety programs and infrastructure that allow school children to walk and bike to school safely, increasing their daily physical activity levels and lowering their long-term health risks.

Want more information? Read this argument about why state funding is important.

Safe Routes to School funding could help these communities, and others like them all over the state, make walking and/or bicycling to school less dangerous!