Comments on: Peddle Your E-Bikes Off Greenbelt

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 04:52:48 +0000

Another situation of the smallest of minorities ruling the majority.

The motto of the blue democrat Boise politicos.

By: Sorry Folks

Sorry Folks — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 04:50:18 +0000

Sorry folks the Boise City Council ok’ed motorcycles (I agree that any bike with a motor is a motorcycle)on the Greenbelt.

If you walk on the Greenbelt better buy a helmet and wear good padding.

The City Council could care less about the “normal” users of the GreenBelt or the drivers of cars on downtown streets.

By: bikeboy

bikeboy — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 03:38:55 +0000

UPDATE… it’s been passed into law as of tonight (12/19). E-bikes that assist speeds up to 20mph can now be used on the Greenbelt and on sidewalks. It’s not too late to ask Santa for an E-bike… you can be legally toolin’ down the Main Street sidewalk at 20mph by the Saturday after Christmas!

By: idaholc

idaholc — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:54:06 +0000

My email testimony on the issue:

I am 78 years old and a regular user (bicycle) of the Greenbelt and I strongly object to allowing electric bikes of any power on the Greenbelt.

The Boise Greenbelt should remain a “no motorized vehicles” system. The only reason consideration is being given to allow electric bikes is that Boise businesses are now selling them. It is not our responsibility to provide their customers place to ride.

It is my recollection that some of the initial money for the Boise River Greenbelt came from the Federal Highway Administration under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (commonly called ICE TEA) funds which were intended to promote alternative non-motorized transportation options, primarily walking and bicycle paths. It would seem that this was probably the origin of the Boise City “non-motorized” policy on the Greenbelt.

I am certain electric bike promoters will raise the red herring of impaired or elderly users as justification for the change.

If this is an issue then a special permit should be considered. Why should special permits for handicapped be required for foothill trails and not the greenbelt? It seems the current proposal just accommodates the lazy.

EDITOR NOTE–I think that same ICE TEA fund was tapped to pay for the “Big Mike” locomotive move from JD Park to the Depot as well.

By: Go Doug Jones

Go Doug Jones — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 01:18:21 +0000

The city should have considered all of these positions. They are just putting up a fight as evidenced by the comment of the councilor quoted. I agree, if a motorized bike hits me, the city will be named in the complaint. The greenbelt is not for transport per se, it is for non transport.

By: Easterner

Easterner — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:17:15 +0000

Ducky says licensed on the street only:
And the survey says, :https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/29/hail-to-the-chief-cyclist-gives-trump-the-middle-finger

Tell that to the old man, who is not allowed to drive due to medical reasons and pedals slower than you walk, so he uses an electric bike to help him get to the VA hospital… “Ride in the street mister”.

(there is one old guy in town running his electric wheelchair in the street- flags a flying!).

There is no one size fits all- except courtesy.

By: Heinrich Wiebe

Heinrich Wiebe — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 20:47:37 +0000

Those of you who oppose the idea of Ebikes, have you tried one? If you had one to ride, would you ride more and drive less? If Ebikes were encouraged and allowed and it meant more of our public were out on two wheels, and not in a car, can you see that would be better? Please don’t lose sight of the benefits as you dream up the worst possible outcomes.

By: Ducky

Ducky — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 20:45:41 +0000

I agree with “Voter” they should also be licensed and be on the streets only.

EDITOR NOTE–This debate needs to include the two-wheeled electric Segway devices. No one has ever been able to determine WHAT
it really is.

By: Sue the City

Sue the City — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:50:20 +0000

The first time a motorcycle runs into anyone on the Green Belt please sue the City of Boise for “enabling” the event to occur!!!!

By: two wheel Ted

two wheel Ted — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 18:20:44 +0000

Ride, Roll, or Stroll…. common courtesy is what is needed. If you are approaching someone … SLOW DOWN TO THEIR SPEED … Say hello, smile, then go happily on your own way. If I want to ride like my azz is on fire I should be able to… as long as I am courteous to other users. Same thing If I have a 3 kid wide stroller and am a s l o w walker… I simply move to the right and stay aware of others… Have a nice day 🙂