Autumn update to all TVCA members
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.
We continued to influence more safe cycling practices this autumn with a bicycle rodeo at Hawthorn Elementary School, and two Street Smarts Cycling classes at REI and the Boise Public Schools Community Education program. We also participated this past week at the BSU REACH Health Fair. Had the opportunity there to talk to a number of enthusiastic cyclists and also motorists that wanted to understand how to share the roads most safely.
The Boise Mayor’s taskforce on safe cycling presented their plan and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council last month. The plan was well regarded as thorough and balanced. The key now is execution of the recommendations. TVCA has committed to participating fully in support of the education activities in the plan.
Kurt also met with Senator Elliot Werk (D, District 17, Boise) and Senator John McGee (R, District 10, Caldwell) to provide additional inputs to legislation to be introduced during the upcoming legislative session. Senator Work is now in the process of drafting the proposal and will be letting us know how we, and all cyclists, can act to help drive this legislation through to law.
Earlier this month, we facilitated an information session for the Foundation for Ada-Canyon Trail Systems (FACTS) who is facilitating completion of the 3 additional miles of path from Garden City to Eagle Road on the south bank of the South Channel. This is the next step in completing the vision of having a continuous paved multi-use trail from the Lucky Peak Dam to the Snake River. The three miles will cost $600K to construct with $120K coming from the community, and the remainder from state/local grants. TVCA will be taking a lead role in the fund raising and will keep you all updated on how you can help.
Finally, regarding cycling infrastructure investments that we can make as an organization, we’ve come up with the following short list. 1) Building out a permanent or transportable bike valet corral for the Boise Centre on the Grove, 2) development of a bicycle routing system for our website, and 3) supporting the acquisition and paving of the three new Greenbelt miles. As always, really appreciate all of your inputs on ideas both for the potential cycling infrastructure investments, as well as for our new website.
It has been a very active and positive year for the organization. As always, there is so much more to do - made challenging for an all-volunteer organization. But I, and the rest of the board are very excited about our accomplishments and what we envision for 2010. Your funding and support are what inspire and allow us to do this work. Thanks very much as always. We also wish you and your families a safe and prosperous holiday season and New Year.
Best regards,
Walt