Action Alert, March 29
Urge Gov. Otter to Support H334!
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Presented Legislation, Idaho Legislature Responded
2017 marks a significant milestone in Idaho Walk Bike Alliance’s history—for the first time, we sponsored a bill in the Idaho Legislature. When the session convened January 9, the Safe Routes to School – Healthy Kids campaign, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association, presented draft legislation to support the national Safe Routes to School program with state dollars.
With the help of key legislative advisors and Senate leadership, Senate Bill 1121, the Safe Routes to School – Healthy Kids legislation had a hearing before the Senate Transportation Committee on March 2. (Check out photos and videos from the hearing on our Facebook album and Facebook video library.) The committee room was packed, passionate speakers testified in support of S1121, and it passed with a UNANIMOUS vote.
Days later the full Senate endorsed S1121 with a 27-8 vote, adding more momentum and crucial support for this important program. Members of the House were prepared to vote enthusiastically for this bill, which would benefit all communities in Idaho, especially the rural and remote towns. Unfortunately, the House Transportation & Defense Committee declined to hear S1121 before the end of the session, precluding those representatives from having the opportunity to voice their support.
And then a fascinating thing happened.
Rep. Janet Trujillo (R), Idaho Falls, explaining House Bill 334 at the Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on March 29.
On Wednesday, March 28, Rep. Janet Trujillo (R), Idaho Falls, offered her own legislation, a bill that addresses Safe Routes to School. House Bill 334, appeared at the last moment as a companion piece to the major transportation bill the Legislature wanted to pass before adjournment. Trujillo began her presentation by recounting the story of her grandson being hit by a truck while he bicycled to school. She impressed upon the members the importance of Safe Routes to School and inspired the body to vote overwhelmingly in favor of it. Within 24 hours, H334 passed through both the House and the Senate easily, with collective votes totaling 92-11. It awaits the governor’s signature.
The full Senate vote on House Bill 334 on March 29.
Speaking of which, here’s your ACTION ALERT to help push through H334:
Please call or email Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and urge him to sign H334 because of the Safe Routes to School language. Use this link for messaging tips for contacting the governor. It’s easy!
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Safe Routes to School - Healthy Kids Legislation
What's Next?
Because of the unexpected and unwavering support we received from many legislators, the session offered enormous insight into many Idahoans’ concerns, what their needs are, and how Safe Routes to School can contribute in great and small ways. New relationships were forged with dozens of legislators who posed thoughtful questions and made the campaign stronger. Over the next several months, an improved version of the Safe Routes to School – Healthy Kids legislation will be crafted and reintroduced during the 2018 session!
Our primary objective is to harness our successes from the 2017 legislative session and parlay that into state law during the 2018 session. Our core mission will be to go local - meaning we will need your help more than ever to engage your legislators in your districts and show them the value of Safe Routes to School and how this program can improve the health, safety, and economic vitality of your town. Events like Walk To School Day are excellent opportunities to invite your state leaders to so they can walk with school children. Idaho Walk Bike Alliance can help to coordinate your efforts and get the media to show up!
We are developing workshops designed to train individuals who want to be more effective locally. Details are pending, but if this is something that interests you, feel free to contact us!
One crucial way you can help is to identify projects in your area that were funded by Safe Routes to School or the federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP). Have they improved safety? Does your community have unmet need for this program? We want to know! Share your stories and photos with us, so we can build a statewide case that is both urban and rural. We hope no Idaho legislator will have a single seed of doubt when we present our bill next year! We look forward to connecting with each of you to win our campaign to make walking and bicycling to school safer for all kids.
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Why Idaho Needs to Dedicate Funds for Safe Routes to School
by Cynthia Gibson, Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Executive Director
As parents, our greatest concern is for the safety of our children. That is why Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is determined to secure state funds for Safe Routes to School. Whether this happens in the 2017 legislative session or not, we will not quit until we have dedicated funding. We are working to ensure every Idaho community—no matter where it is located or how few people live in it—has the opportunity to build more sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, pathways, or greenbelts. And we know having Safe Routes to School Coordinators in every district throughout the state will increase awareness and education for parents and students, giving every child in Idaho the chance to grow up safe and healthy.
The statistics are alarming. According to Idaho Transportation Department’s 2015 Crash Report, on average from 2011-2015, 191 children per year ages 4-19 were injured or killed while riding their bicycle or walking. Sadly, we expect 2016 to be no different.
That is why Idaho Walk Bike Alliance, American Heart Association and our partners are working at the legislature every single day to secure state funds dedicated to this valuable program. Idaho’s children deserve to be healthy, safe, active, and ready to learn when they arrive at school each day. Their trips to school should not be dangerous. Additionally, parents should not worry about their children becoming obese or subject to chronic disease because they lack access to places to be physically active.
We hope you will join us and our growing coalition of partners, working to help our children grow up in a safe and healthy environment. And we ask you to reach out to your state senators, representatives, and Idaho Transportation Department staff and board members, and tell them our children deserve the best opportunity for a successful and healthy future.
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Legislative Update
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance closely followed developments on legislation and issues in Idaho, and beyond, pertaining to walking and bicycling safety so we could contribute to the process and keep our members informed. Read the update from March 14 to find out more about the following topics:
- Safe Routes to School - Healthy Kids campaign
- snow removal by highway districts
- rolling coal
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Do You Love Bicyling and Movies?
Sponsor Our "Bike Love" Movie Night!
This May, we will host a Filmed by Bike “Bike Love” Movie Night + Talk in Boise at The Flicks. The Filmed by Bike touring event uses film to inspire a culture where cycling is a natural aspect of everyday life. This event will take place on Tuesday, May 16, during Boise Bike Week. We are seeking sponsors to offset the costs of hosting this event and contribute to the success of our fundraiser. As of March 30, there are two $100 and four $50 sponsorships available. Check out our sponsorship package and benefits grid for more information and contact Robyn to confirm your participation!
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Hello Spring! It's Time to Ride.
Guest Post by Jamie Lynn Morgan, Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Board Member
The snow is finally receding and Spring sunshine is peaking through the clouds. You know what that means? We can start spending more time outside walking or on our bicycles. For some incentives to get out and ride, there are some friendly challenges that you can take part in. One has prizes, and they both provide bragging rights and opportunities to help out your favorite charities.
The first starts on April 1 and continues until the end of the month. 30 Days of Biking is an international challenge that doesn't award anything to those involved, but it gives you bragging rights to say you biked every day in April. Which, let's be honest, is not always the driest month in Idaho.
For a little extra incentive, April is also the first time the state will be celebrating Idaho Craft Beer Month. If the health benefits of riding every day aren't enough to encourage you to take this challenge, maybe riding to your favorite Idaho brewery, bar, or restaurant will get you on your bicycle. I know I plan on riding to some of the events that are happening here in my area, as well as creating some of my own so I can use them to talk about Idaho Walk Bike Alliance's mission and how people can be involved.
Secondly, there is the National Bike Challenge, which runs from May 1 to September 30. There will be prizes awarded throughout this challenge, but I am going to participate to get people to sponsor me. They can agree to donate a set dollar amount or agree to pay a certain amount for every mile I ride. The proceeds will all go to the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance. This will be a fun incentive for me to be sure I am out riding as much as I can, plus a way to get others involved. Who knows, I might even be able to inspire someone else to choose active transportation! What inspires you to ride?
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Idaho Is Human Powered!
Will You Support Walking and Biking on Friday, May 4?
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is participating in Idaho Gives again this year. Stay tuned to our website and our Facebook and/or Twitter feeds for information on our "I Am Human Powered" campaign.
Idaho Gives is a statewide, 24-hour giving day, and it's all online! Since the inaugural event in 2013, Idahoans have raised more than $2.3 Million for participating organizations, one donation at a time. Every year on one amazing day, people across our state come together for Idaho nonprofits. It's a day to celebrate the awesome work of Idaho's nonprofits and benefit from the power of many. Idaho comes together - be a part of it! Full history here.
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US: a statewide bike/ped nonprofit looking for  .
LIKES: advocating for safer streets for all users, and helping communities and local bike/ped groups get the money, support and technical assistance they need to build and maintain great walking and biking networks.
YOU: a dedicated, and possibly avid, walker and/or bicyclist, an Idaho community or a local bike/ped advocacy organization.
LIKES: walks, or rolls, on wide open, and obstacle-free, sidewalks and bicycle rides in buffered bike lanes that provide enough space to avoid open car doors.
If interested, meet us here anytime to let us know you want to Share YOUR Love for walking and biking all year long.
We hope to have 50 of our supporters sign up to be Monthly StRider Champions, a new monthly giving program of the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance.
Your monthly gifts WILL make a difference!
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Instead of Buying
2 lattes
1 lunch out
2 movie tickets
1 tank of gas
1 dinner for two
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Make a Monthly Gift, & See it Add Up!
$10 / month = $120 a year
$15 / month = $180 a year
$20 / month = $240 a year
$35 / month = $420 a year
$50 / month = $600 a year
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Monthly donations help us by providing a stable, year-round source of funds that support our statewide efforts. This allows us to do the day-to-day work necessary to ensure active transportation is healthy, safe and reliable for all Idahoans.
Monthly donations help you by spreading out your giving over the course of a year and adding up to make a big difference! It’s convenient and safe, and you can set them up with just a few clicks.
Please join the Monthly StRider Champions today!
Thank you for SHARING YOUR for walking and biking.
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Tee Time...
Are You Creative? Design a T-shirt for Us!
The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is in need of T-shirts for staff and volunteers to wear at several upcoming events. We could just put our logo on the front of a shirt and call it good. But, we thought some of our supporters might be able to create something more fun to promote the work we do for walking and biking in Idaho. Email your designs to Robyn by Friday, April 21. If we get a lot of creative ideas, we'll hold a contest to pick the best design!
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Congratulations Nampa!
City Votes to Increase Bicycle and Pedestrian Access in Lake Lowell Area
Click image to enlarge.
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ITD Grants Available for ADA Curb Ramp Improvements
Apply for Grants Through April 6
According to an Idaho Transportation Department news release, "Grants of up to $60,000 are available to organizations statewide through April 6 via the Idaho Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Curb Ramp Program. Local jurisdictions - cities, counties and highway districts - and tribal governments are eligible to submit an application. Funds will be used for construction starting by May 2018, and must be completed within a year. Applications are available on the ITD website, under the ADA Curb/Ramp Program tab on the left-hand side of the page. The Idaho ADA Curb Ramp Program is a state-administered program providing funding for projects to build or correct curb ramps on the state highway system and within the state's right-of-way. Applicants can qualify for up to $60,000 in state funding to construct new or alter existing curb ramps. ITD allocates $500,000 of state funds annually for this program. "The goal of the program is to partner with local agencies in order to provide accessible facilities for all pedestrians, especially those with disabilities," said Jared Holyoak, manager of ITD's Curb Ramp Program. ITD, the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and the Idaho division of the Federal Highway Administration evaluate applications. Completed applications should be sent to ITDAltContracting@itd.idaho.gov by April 6."
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Two Free Technical Assistance Programs Available for Your Community!
Application Deadlines are May 5
Do you want to make your community more prosperous and livable? Then take advantage of these two free technical assistance programs offered by Community Builders for communities in Idaho. The New Mobility West initiative helps address issues related to transportation and the Community Builders assistance addresses those related to community planning and economic development. Applications for both programs can be found here. Cascade used the assistance to develop an action plan for safer biking and walking. Learn more about what they did in this case study and video. We are happy to answer your questions!
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Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Staff Step Up for the
Idaho STEP Challenge
To encourage others to be active and healthy, Congressman Mike Simpson is attempting to walk over 2,900 miles. This is the equivalent of walking from the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. to the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. The 'journey' began June 1, 2016, and in mid-March, Rep. Simpson passed the 2,000 mile mark, which put him in Sheridan, Wyoming. He anticipates entering Idaho near Victor in mid-April.
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance staff have joined the #HikewithMike and are walking at noon on Thursdays in Boise. Meet us at the center of Capitol Park for a stroll around downtown. Follow Rep. Simpson's progress, sign up for updates and STEP UP to join the challenge too. If you are hosting #HikewithMike walks in your communities, let us know so we can encourage others to join you!
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You Can Shop AND Do Good!
With Fred Meyer Community Rewards
and AmazonSmile
Did you know you can support active transportation while you shop? It’s something you have to do anyway, so make every pantry staple, splurge or special occasion purchase count.
Fred Meyer
Community Rewards
Link your Fred Meyer rewards card to Idaho Walk Bike Alliance (#91348), scan it every time you pay, and we'll receive donations from their Community Rewards program, at no extra cost to you. It's easy to do, so sign up to link your card today!
- Visit Fred Meyer and sign in or register for an account at top right.
- Scroll down and click Link your Rewards Card Now.
- Enter Idaho Walk Bike Alliance or 91348.
- Select the bubble next to our name and click the Enroll tab.
- Start shopping to benefit the walking and biking movement!
NOTE: If you did not re-link your Fred Meyer Rewards card with the nonprofit of your choice after Fred Meyer's June 2016 customer re-enrollment period, you were dropped from the system on July 1. You can check the bottom of your Fred Meyer receipts to see if your purchases are supporting the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance:
AmazonSmile
Shop online at AmazonSmile, choose Idaho Walk Bike Alliance as your charity of choice, and 0.5% of each qualified purchase will be donated to us, with no extra fees for you. Sign up now!
- Visit AmazonSmile and sign in with your existing Amazon.com account info or create an account.
- Scroll down to pick your own charitable organization instead of choosing one of Amazon's spotlight charities.
- Enter Idaho Walk Bike Alliance in the search box and hit the Search button.
- Click on the Select button next to our name.
- Check that you understand you always need to shop via smile.amazon.com to support Idaho Walk Bike Alliance.
- Start ordering online to support active transportation!
- Keep track of your AmazonSmile impact. Hover your cursor over the 'Supporting: Idaho Walk Bike Alliance Inc." link located just under the search bar and see how much your purchases have added up. Sample below.
Click image to enlarge.
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