Recent cyclist fatalities

TVCA members,

We are all very saddened by the recent fatalities of three fellow cyclists. I’ve had several inquiries about what TVCA will be doing to learn from these tragedies and effect positive change in the valley.

I’ve been talking to other ambassadors of the local cycling community about structuring a Safe Cycling Summit. The purpose of this forum would be to identify specific actions that can be taken to increase the safety of cyclists on our Treasure Valley roadways. I believe that the issue must be understood and addressed across a broad set of areas including awareness, legal, education, infrastructure, and enforcement. Given this, it will be necessary to bring together state legislatures, city government leaders, city and county law enforcement, our highway district, and state highway department together with cycling organizations and groups. I see TVCA taking a lead role in organizing and driving this cross-group effort.

We are working quickly to frame the summit, identify the right participants, and get it scheduled. I have traded email with Mayor Bieter of Boise and know that we have his, and his organizations support.

I’ll keep everyone appraised of our progress in organizing the summit and results. As always, if anyone has some passion and energy around this initiative, we can always use the help.

Walt