Happy New Year to all TVCA members,

Seems that every time an article appears on-line or in the paper regarding efforts to make streets safer for cyclists, some yahoo lips off about cyclists 'not having a right to use the roads because they don't pay for them'. From Justin Lucas at ACHD, here is a great summary of where the funding for ACHD's roadway efforts come. Take a look at the pie chart on the last page and now you can accurately tell the less-informed the truth on the subject. Bottom line, for 2010, the biggest sources of funding for ACHD's investments will be:

40.3%     Property taxes

Congratulations to New Belgium Brewing for thier contributions to bicycling advocacy through the Tour de Fat event. In total, the 2009 event generated over a quarter million dollars for cycling non-profits. Boise organizations received $42,500 this year, and had the third largest turnout at 6,500 participants. Attached is the press release from New Belgium Brewing. If you didn't make the event last year, definately put it on your calendar for 2010!

November 20, 2009

Happy autumn to all TVCA members,

The leaves are mostly down, temperatures are dropping, and while I, and many others, are still riding, I do look forward to that first ride in spring. As we all get into the holiday swing of things, want to provide a short update on what your Treasure Valley Cycling Alliance has been up to.

Attached you'll find the final report of the Boise Cycling Safety Task Force. It will be formally presented to the Mayor and City Council at their next regular meeting, which starts at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Bonneville Room, 3rd floor, City Hall. Although no formal public testimony will be taken at this meeting, I encourage you to attend as a way to demonstrate the importance of cycling safety in our city.

Check out the video from this year. You won't want to miss it in 2010!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHuCDiMAlQw

The Mayor's Safe Cycling Taskforce has developed a set of recommendations and is holding two open houses to collect public input. Please plan to attend one of the sessions. The press release on the taskforce, their recommendations, and the open houses is attached.

Tour de Fat Boise press release

From the League of American Bicyclists, these are the top reasons for collisions between adults riding bicycles and motor vehicles. Keep in mind that over 50% of the time we fall on our bicycles, it has nothing to do with a motor vehicle. It is simply a fall caused by a curb, sand, wet pavement, obstructions, animals, pedestrians, etc. Add up the numbers and you will see that the most common denominator is the intersection.

Collisions

In a recent press release, Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson said that he is asking his officers to pay more attention to bicyclists who violate city and state traffic laws and start issuing more warnings and/or citations.  In general we applaud the Chief's actions.  We have all had problems with some bicyclists who ride against traffic, or ride at night without lights, or blow through traffic controls without yielding.  As the great statesman Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy, and he is us!"  It's hard to demand respect from others (motorists) if we as a class of road user don't give respect first.