Public Policy
IWBA believes that transportation planning decisions should incorporate human-powered (“active”) modes of transportation at the state, regional, and local levels.
Complete Streets
We believe that all streets in Idaho (with the exception of freeways) should be accessible and safe for all users—not just cars! Roadways should be designed so everyone can move along them, whether young or old, able or disabled, riding or walking.
Transportation Funding Equity
The members of IWBA envision a transportation financing system in which bicycle and pedestrian transportation receive a fair and equitable share of funding.
The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance was created out of a meeting of concerned Idahoans who knew Federal funding for Idaho’s sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, and paths was threatened. This is devastating to those of us who believe in alternative forms of transportation by the simple act of walking or riding a bike down the street. We don’t want to have to rely on our vehicles. We want to have the freedom, safety, and access to walk or ride our bikes! So simple, yet not really in today’s car-centric society.
The IWBA Board understands concerns over Federal budget deficits, which happens every day in business. The bigger problem is that Federal grants for walk/bike programs face elimination, so funds will be shifted solely to road building projects. The grant programs were only $.015 (1 ½ cents) of every Federal Transportation dollar. Thus, the amount being shifted is minuscule for roadway projects but hugely beneficial for bike and pedestrian projects.
Our country faces an obesity epidemic and active recreation and transportation options are the “medicine” for it. We don’t need more lanes for cars. We need sidewalks, bike lanes, paths, and trails giving people options for going to school, work, shopping or recreation.
We need you to speak up for continued improvements to the biking and walking infrastructure and other active transportation facilities. Write, call or e-mail our Congressional delegation and speak up for the Safe Routes to Schools, Transportation Enhancements and Recreational Trails grant programs.
Congressional Contacts
Senator Mike Crapo
Senator James Risch
Congressman Mike Simpson
Congressman Russ Fulcher