The Citizens for an Open Greenbelt (COG) made its case to the Eagle City Council on Tuesday, seeking to get the Greenbelt opened to bikes in the Garden City stretch currently blocked to bikes. It was apparently a compelling argument prompting the Eagle City Council to vote unanimously to take a public position in support of opening bicycle access through the section of the Riverside Village Subdivision of Garden City. Additionally Eagle elected officials want to immediately open a dialogue with the Garden City Mayor and Council to make this happen.

COG chairman Gary Segers told the GUARDIAN, “This is no longer an issue that just the Citizens for an Open Greenbelt has with Garden City. It now includes another major city in the Treasure Valley that believes the Garden City bike ban has a significant and negative impact on it’s residents, businesses, and users of the Eagle Greenbelt.”

Perhaps Boise’s City Council can take a hint from the bikers and Eagle councilors and urge Garden City to, “Tear Down That Wall.”

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The 90 kph speed limit translates to 55 mph. These big blue and yellow signs were an intimidating factor when it came to passing someone doing about 50 mph. For conversion, use .60 times 50 kph and you get a mere 30 mph. Imagine how easy it is to pass a slow mover and punch it to 80 mph downhill.

Our final thought on traffic laws in Ontario was, “do they use anesthetic for the surgery if you get caught with a DUI?”

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–Meanwhile, NAMPA is hellbent on repeating its financial debacle at the Idaho Center with another hotel room tax to fund even more entertainment venues. The May 17 election will ask voters if a new auditorium district should be formed with five unopposed nominees to serve on the board.

–IDAHO FALLS voters will also go to the polls to decide on a 5% room tax to fund a convention center. Not taking a hint from the financially troubled Qwest Arena in Boise, plans in I.F. call for a hockey team as the so-called “anchor tenant.” Financial benefits for the proposed center range from an annual loss of $88,000 to a profit of $1.88 million. Not a very sound investment for the bond market.

Lest we forget, all three of these venues will be competing with each other in a game of “who can give away the most.” An ice arena, baseball park or giant display space is not a guarantee to attract visitors. Officials in both Nampa and Idaho Falls claimed in news stories they could borrow against revenues to fund debt. Even if it were legal, lenders are not likely to risk money when repayment is subject to the whims of the market place and management skills of hoteliers.

Article VIII, sec 3 of the Idaho constitution makes no distinction about funding sources, be they revenue bonds or general obligation bonds when it comes to auditorium districts. If a municipality (subdivision of state government) wishes to go into debt of more than a single year’s revenues, they MUST seek permission and get approval of 2/3 of the electors voting in an election for such permission.

A hotel tax, while dedicated for an auditorium district, is PUBLIC MONEY and it belongs to the people of the District. THEY–not a board–hold the sole authority to enter into debt in excess of a single budget year’s revenues.

Many issues beyond the wishes of hoteliers are to be considered when a convention center is built. It is up to the citizens alone to determine if they want such a venue in their community. Boise voters have twice denied permission of the Greater Boise Auditorium District to go into debt. Once it was defeated by a simple majority and the second time the G-BAD boys failed to get the required 2/3 majority.

This type of uninformed promotion causes law abiding citizens to lose faith in their government at all levels when officials and their lawyers spread “disinformation” and make plans based on false assumptions about funding sources.

Idaho is a wonderful place with natural scenic beauty unequaled in most of the nation. We have great fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, and related outdoor activities to offer.

However, we are NOT an urban destination for conventions. Boise’s Mayor Dave Bieter is fond of noting the City of Trees is the “most remote city of its size in the country.” Right on Mr. Mayor! No matter how big you make our airport, there is no reason for out of staters to convene in Boise, Idaho Falls, or Nampa. With just over 2 million residents, it is our opinion that more auditorium venues will serve only to dilute the market to the detriment of all.

We already do a great job of offering rooms and serve as a “jumping off spot” for back country float trips, skiing at the likes of Sun Valley, etc. We just don’t have enough naked showgirls, or cartoon characters in a plastic fantasyland to call ourselves a “destination” for major national conventions. We are remote and that is part of our charm.

Like convenience stories of the 1970s, hotels have popped up at every major intersection and many want local government to fill their rooms. It takes more than a public facility funded with tax dollars to sell motel rooms.

GROWTHOPHOBES will gladly settle for the philosophy of former BSU coach Dan Hawkins who proclaimed, “Bigger isn’t better. Better is better.”

EDITOR NOTE–While GROWTHOPHOBE is not yet in the dictionary, nearly every internet search using the word will send you back here where it all started–the BOISE GUARDIAN!

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What a wonderful thing it is to be chosen to host this run-swim-bike contest of athletes. The economic impact and notoriety should help bring jobs and business to the “most remote city of its size in North America.”

Click to get full details of street closures from Ada County Highway Department.

Traffic Advisory
Ada County Highway District

June 10, 2010
Information Contact:
Robbie Johnson
Office: 208-387-6228
Cell: 208-860-6628

Major impacts to drivers expected during Boise’s Ironman event

Over the course of eight hours, participants in Ironman Boise 70.3 will race through town as they complete a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run in succession. This year’s Ironman Boise will start on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 2 p.m. beginning at Lucky Peak Reservoir and end in downtown Boise on 8th Street in BoDo.

1,400 participants are expected for this event. This is the third year of a five-year agreement between the Ironman organizers and the city of Boise. Course maps and information about the event are available on the Ironman Boise Web site: www.ironmanboise.com. The maps are also attached to this email.

The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is working with Boise City, Ironman organizers, Boise Police, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and others to prepare for the road closures necessary to make the event possible. Citizens not involved in the Ironman event are urged to prepare and take alternate routes. Detour routes will be in place for the closures and drivers should use caution. Boise Police officers will be stationed along the course and will help residents get in and out of businesses and residences during the event. There will be around 75 flaggers directing traffic and 45 volunteers will also help along the route at intersections and driveways.

ITD is planning a different approach to restrictions on Idaho 21, which is used for the cycling portion of the event. Idaho 21 has been completely closed in the cycling area in years past, but this year one lane will be maintained for traffic to get through in both directions. There are no “hard” or complete closures planned without detour routes in place.

Idaho 21 on Saturday, June 12

• 2:15 p.m. – Flaggers will start directing traffic between Diversion Dam and Surprise Way, and lane restrictions will be put in place.
• Between Diversion Dam and Lucky Peak Dam, the right southbound lane and shoulder will be closed off to traffic. Bikes will use the closed lane, and one lane south and both lanes north will remain open to motorists.
• Between Diversion Dam and Surprise Way, traffic will be restricted to one lane. Vehicles will be guided northbound or southbound one direction at a time.
• Between Surprise Way and Technology Lane one lane in each direction will be maintained.
• 7:30 p.m. – Based on past years, the last bicyclist is anticipated to move through by this time. Traffic flagging will end as soon as the last rider leaves Idaho 21.
• 7:45 p.m. – The highway returns to normal operations.

Other ITD roads impacted Saturday, June 12

• Noon – Front Street will close between 6th and 9th streets. Traffic will be detoured north on Capitol, west on Idaho, south on 9th back to Front. This area will be the first-aid medical station and the command center for law enforcement during the event.
• Between 2:40 p.m. and 7 p.m. the I-84 Eisenman interchange ramps will be closed and traffic will be detoured to the Gowen interchange. The closure of the Eisenman interchange allows the bicycling portion of the competition to be rerouted away from the Gowen interchange and the Idaho 21/Federal Way intersection, which are more heavily used by motorists. The interchange is expected to reopen as soon as the last cyclist gets through the area.
• 4 p.m. – Myrtle Street will close between Capitol Boulevard and 9th Street. Traffic will be detoured north on 11th, east on Main Street, south on 3rd back to Myrtle.
• 11 p.m. – Myrtle Street will return to normal operations.
• After midnight – Front Street will return to normal operations.

ACHD roads impacted include:

Full closures

• 8th Street between Broad Street and Front Street closed Thursday, June 10 (today) at 8 a.m. and will be back open Sunday at 8 a.m.
• Capitol Boulevard between Myrtle Street and Front Street will be closed Friday, June 11 from 6 p.m. to Sunday, June 13 at 12:30 a.m.
• Broad Street between Capitol Boulevard and 9th Street will be closed between 4:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Saturday.
• Pleasant Valley Road from Gowen Road to Ten Mile Creek Road will be closed from 3 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday.
• Ten Mile Creek Road will be closed from Pleasant Valley Road to South Cole Road from 3:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Eisenman Road from Interstate 84 to the Boise Factory Outlets mall will be closed from 2:50 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday.
• Federal Way and Capitol Boulevard will be closed between Protest Road and Myrtle Street from 4:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. Saturday.

Lane restrictions

• Warm Springs Avenue between Highway 21 to the ParkCenter Bridge will have a lane restriction and delays between 4 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. Saturday. Only northbound traffic will be allowed between Highway 21 and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. The Shakespeare Festival will be accessible from town, but expect detours and delays.
• Gowen Road between Eisenman Road and Pleasant Valley will be westbound traffic only between 2:50 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Saturday.
• Holcomb/Bergeson between Boise Avenue and Federal Way will only be open to eastbound traffic from 4:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

ACHD will have special traffic signal timing plans for the closures on Capitol, Front and Myrtle to help move traffic. An ACHD traffic operations engineer will be at the ACHD Traffic Management Center Saturday monitoring traffic conditions and adjusting signals if needed.

Reader boards on local highways and the Connector are in place to alert motorists to the closures. Ironman organizers distributed 5600 mailers describing traffic impacts to residents.

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ACHD Video Traffic Cam Control Center

ACHD Commish Sara Baker revealed the arrangement on her blog yesterday and noted several recent crimes and emergencies which involved police use of the system.

You too can view intersections, but unlike the coppers at dispatch, you can’t manipulate the camera view. An Ada County Sheriff’s spokesman told the GUARDIAN the department has had control of the traffic cameras “after hours” since mid-February.

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For instance, data regarding some of the discussion threads about annual miles driven and accidents, is under traffic safety. Short answer to a commenter’s question: in 2008 employees drove 1,668,825 miles. we had 30 employee involved accidents–down from 44 the year prior. Of the 30 crashes, employees were at fault in 16 of them.

As soon as I receive the 2009 report the website will be updated. Thanks, MIKE MASTERSON, chief BPD.

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The fact is that bikes and cars will share the same roadways, always. It is important for both sides of this discussion to realize this fact. Motorists need to become more aware of bike riders, provide for a safe riding corridor, and allow bikes the same courtesies that other vehicles are allowed and given.

Cyclists should remember that they are at a distinct safety disadvantage while they are on the roadways. They need to be conscientious, responsible, and safe while riding their bikes on public roadways. There are over 3000 traffic crashes each year involving two or more motor vehicles. Most of these crashes result in no injury or minor injuries to those involved. However, bike/ motor vehicle crashes almost always lead to some type of injury to the bicyclist. It is for this reason that bike riders should be most vigilant in their safety procedures.

The Boise Police Department realizes that things that don’t get counted don’t get done. Due to the tragic deaths in May 2009, the BPD took a strong look at the 3 E’s of problem-solving. The department increased the enforcement of bike ordinances in 2009. There was over a 100% increase in bike citations from 2008 to 2009.

In addition to enforcement, education was a major focus this year. Our Mountain Bike Unit provided bike education to over 29 area schools, civic groups and City Recreation classes. They provided in-house bike rule education to all patrol officers, and they also attended several public forums on bike safety issues that were sponsored by the biking community. Additionally, the officers of BPD made a very concerted effort to stop and educate bike riders throughout the spring, summer and fall. The Boise Police Chief put out an advisory to all officers to take a vigilant attitude towards bike violations. Anecdotally, there were literally hundreds of contacts made by our bike officers, SRO officers, and patrol officers to warn and educate the public.

The final E represents engineering. BPD is working with ACHD to ensure that roadway design is adequate for the biking public. Areas of concern are addressed at monthly meetings with ACHD. Additionally, a member of the Mountain bike Unit is assigned to the ACHD bike safety task force. This group meets monthly to discuss strictly bike safety issues.

The safety of our citizens is very important to the Boise PD and we will continually strive to make Boise “The most liveable city in the Country”.

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An alert GUARDIAN reader sent us this note and photo.

“I was at the post office on Cole today and watched a Boise City motorcycle cop park in the fire lane right in front of the sign that says no parking. He went inside to use the post office while parked here. I took a photo for you.”

Looks like the copper who probably wrote tickets during the nice Thursday weather, no doubt figured he wasn’t hurting anything…just like the folks he cited.

RELATED POST OCTOBER 29

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With last summer’s three fatalities still painfully in mind, bicycle enthusiasts turned out to testify at Boise City Council’s Tuesday meeting in favor of bike laws aimed at increasing safety.

City Council considered – and passed with minor but significant amendments – some new laws recommended by the mayor’s Cycling Safety Task Force. I like to think we all recognize the value of having a “bike friendly community.” (At the “bronze” level… but hey, it’s better than nuttin’!) And that all of us are dismayed when we hear of tragic accidents resulting in cyclist injuries or fatalities.

Highlights:
- It’s a misdemeanor to throw or “expel” stuff at cyclists or pedestrians, or to threaten or harass them.
- Cyclists have to get off and walk, on crowded sidewalks.
- Cyclists can now be charged with misdemeanor “reckless cycling.”
- Motorists must leave a safety buffer of at least three feet when passing a cyclist.

Essentially all of the testimony generally favored the new laws. The last lady to testify was the exception. She told some harrowing tales of near-misses with irresponsible sidewalk-riding cyclists, and wanted mandatory registration of bicycles and mandatory display of a registration number, so citizens could better identify the scofflaws when complaining. (I’m sympathetic – bad cyclists are the very worst thing for the responsible cycling community!)

I testified that it’s meaningless to pass new laws, if there’s little enthusiasm about enforcing those laws. (In the past, the stated position of the Boise Police Department has been, “Bicycle violations are not a priority.” I’ve not seen anything to indicate that position has changed.) I told the Council members they could do more to make cycling safer by enforcing existing laws. (But I can also support the newly-passed laws.)

Councilors Shealy and Eberle both stated, “we can’t legislate respect and courtesy.” I hope respect and courtesy can nonetheless be maintained, for everyone’s safety and sanity.

The Task Force also recommended stepped up enforcement and education. If I were in charge, those would be my areas of emphasis.

EDITOR NOTE–The GUARDIAN has long been an advocate of bike licensing to aid in the recovery and return of stolen bikes. With bikes now costing as much as used cars, it is silly to just sell abandoned bikes at auction–or junk them. Most bikes are not really stolen, they are “borrowed” and left abandoned for the next thief.

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BY CLANCY
GUARDIAN Guest Post

Boise and the Treasure Valley are in the midst of an epic bike and motor vehicle conflict. New cycling infrastructure will not cure this as fast as all concerned parties can. Cycling safety should be a
community approach. By recognizing each of our rights and responsibilities through some compassion and compromise, we can make the roads safer for all.

Bike Owners
Become accustomed to general bike safety and proper riding ettiquette on roadways.

• Seek out the information at your local bike shop, city hall, police station.
• Find a local cycling group to become involved in.
• Respect rules of the road.

Local Bike Shops (LBS)
Ensure new and existing customers are aware of bike safety and proper riding etiquette on roadways.

• Pamphlets to explaining general bike safety and riding etiquette.
• Organize classes with other LBS and/or Bike Advocacy Organizations.

Bike Advocacy Organization/ Clubs
Many members of these organizations are competent cyclists but could be better ambassadors for cycling. A few compromises will go along way to ensuring public opinion remains positive.

• Educate members to their rights, responsibilities and proper road etiquette of riding on roadways.
• Create a mentor program for members and community cyclists.
• Create guidelines for group and recreational riders.
  • No group rides on Hill Road from 5pm to 6pm weekdays or other busy hours.
  • No riding two abreast on Hill Road or other roads with many blind corners.
  • No riding two abreast on Cartwright Road or other roads with many blind hills.

Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement can enforce current State Statutes regarding bikes while providing an education to
cyclists.Educate all officers about current bike laws.

• Collaborate with Bike Advocacy Organizations to show officers some real life situations.
• Prioritize areas where officers can interact with cyclist who are in need of a correction of cycling habits.
• Downtown/Americana- Homeless cyclist often ride the wrong way and without lights.
• Continue to make face to face interactions throughout the city.
• Ticket cyclist, if the situation is deemed necessary.

Local Governments
Help to further Boise’s image as a Bike Friendly City. Boise needs an avenue for getting more people into the streets. Ciclovia started in Bogota and is a weekly event to get citizens out in the streets. Ciclovias promote health, safety awareness and environmental benefits.

• San Fransisco’s Sunday Streets
• Portland’s Sunday Parkways

Local Media Outlets
Help promote bike safety through ad campaigns.

• Create or license a media blitz about bike safety for drivers and cyclist.(yieldtolife.org is excellent)
• Find community partners to sponsor this campaign.

Motorists

• Learn about cyclist rights and rules of the road. Idaho Drivers Manual now includes this.
• Be patient.
• Report problem areas to law enforcement

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