Bicycles and Pedestrians
Overview
The Idaho Transportation Department is committed to achieving a safe, effective, and balanced multimodal transportation system that includes accommodations for bicyclists, pedestrians, and pedestrians with disabilities, along with motorized modes. This commitment includes developing the transportation infrastructure to improve conditions for bicycling and walking by integrating provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians into new construction and reconstruction highway projects through design features appropriate for the context and function of the transportation facility. The design and construction of facilities shall anticipate likely future demand for bicycling and pedestrian facilities, and not preclude the provision of future improvements. (ITD Administrative Policy A-28-04, September 2009)
Learn more about the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) initiatives related to bicycling and walking, tips and resources, as well as useful links to other organizations that are committed to bicycle and pedestrian mobility.
- Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
- Related Programs and Project Funding
- Manuals and Design Guides
- Useful Websites
• Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Email Contact: ITDbikePed@itd.idaho.gov
Bicycle & Pedestrian Program
The Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is primarily focused on statewide coordination and long-range planning. The program is organized around the 5 Es of planning and coordination.
- Develop and distribute educational materials about bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility
- Support locally sponsored programs with technical information and materials
- Highlight/host training on best practices
- Promote statewide programs that support commuting by riding or walking (including connections to transit)
- Highlight the benefits of healthy and active transportation choices
- Support locally sponsored programs and events with technical information and materials
- Provide information about route planning
- Provide technical assistance within ITD and to local communities related to the review of bicycle/pedestrian facility design, construction, and maintenance
- Provide information on best practices
- Highlight/host training on the best practices
- Raise awareness of Idaho Code and relevant laws
- Partner with law enforcement community
- Develop a new, statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan considering the goals, objectives and recommended initiatives outlined in the 2014 Idaho Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Study
- Work with local governments to identify potential funding sources for projects
- Provide technical assistance to local communities for bicycle and pedestrian planning
Documents
Maps & Visitor Information
- Bike Map
- Highway Map
- Highway Video Log
- Idaho 511
- Idaho Trails
- International Selkirk Loop
- Strava Bike/Run Heatmap (access only via the Google Chrome browser).
- Travel Guides and Maps
- USBR 10 Route Descriptions
- USBR 10 Route Maps
- Rails-to-Trails Conversions in Idaho
Publications & Tools
ITD publishes several publications and tools which highlight safe walking and riding techniques.
Click on the topics below to obtain your copy or to learn more about the program.
 |
Bicycling Street Smarts includes valuable information on how to safely ride a bicycle on Idaho’s roads. Due to copyright issues this publication is only available in hard copy. |
|
|
|
 |
Bicycle Commuter Guide provides key tips on how to commute by bicycle including information from the Idaho code, tips on biking in inclement weather, tips on riding in traffic, how to outfit your bicycle and tips for general bicycle maintenance. |
|
|
|
 |
Walk Smart provides tips and techniques for walking safely as well as legal information from the Idaho code.
Hard copies are available to eligible organizations sponsoring safety and education-related events. Use the following link for details about the application process: Safety Education Materials |
|
|
|
 |
Rules of the Road education cards are a must for anyone who likes to walk, bike, or drive on our roadways. |
|
|
|
| Idaho Bicycle Safety Quiz – The Division of Motor Vehicles has developed a Bicycle Safety Practice Quiz that is consistent with Idaho laws and regulations. The quiz also has questions on bicycle safety best practices. | |
|
The Risks of Riding Right – This short, online video created by “Yay Bikes!” illustrates the risks of riding a bicycle on sidewalks, at intersections and too far to the right on roads. The video was partially sponsored by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Bicycle Rodeo Tool Kit – This document briefly outlines all the steps necessary to successfully plan and conduct a bicycle rodeo. |
|
|
Cycling Skills Clinic Guide – Detailed guide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for planning a Cycling Skills Clinic. |
|
 |
Walkability Checklist Use this checklist to decide if your neighborhood is a friendly place to walk. If you find problems, there are also suggestions to make things better. |
|
|
|
| The ITD Highway Safety Office also has several other educational publications about bicycle and pedestrian safety. Follow this link to find out more about available publications:Educational Materials | |
 |
Toolbox for Bicyclists and Pedestrian Counts Throughout Idaho, people want a variety of options for traveling to and from work, school and other everyday destinations. These transportation options include biking and walking. Biking and walking are enjoyable, affordable and easy activities that provide many health benefits. For all these reasons and more, addressing the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians is an important part of our transportation system. |
|
|
|
 |
Idaho Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan The Idaho Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is a policy document which establishes a statewide vision, goals and strategies for a long-range planning program throughout the state of Idaho. The plan includes a vision/goals, action strategies, and a list of relevant policies, design standards, and statutes. This plan was completed in 1995 and should be updated soon. |
|
|
|
 |
Strategic Communications Plan The Communication Strategy Plan is a guide to help local advocates effectively communicate about bicycle and pedestrian mobility. This plan includes a description of target audiences, key messages and applicable tools. |
|
|
|
 |
Idaho Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Study The Idaho Transportation Department has completed a statewide bicycle and pedestrian study which is the initial phase of the upcoming update to the Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The study recommends initiatives toward important goals and objectives for Idaho’s future as well as identifies steps for state and local agencies to achieve statewide strategic objectives. |
|
|
|
 |
GIS Tools for Assessing Bicycle Suitability
|
Transportation Alternatives Program
The purpose of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), formerly known as Community Choices for Idaho, is to provide for a variety of alternative transportation projects to address the needs of non-motorized users and to advance the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) strategic goals of Mobility, Safety and Economic Opportunity while maximizing the use of federal funds.
The program accepts applications on a two-year cycle and provides funding for bicycle and pedestrian transportation projects, education, and local safety assessments. ITD works in partnership with the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) to administer the application process and management of projects.
The 2024 application deadline is January 18, 2024.
- More information can be found at: lhtac.org/programs/tap/
ITD District TAP Coordinators
For project specific questions about TAP, please contact the appropriate district coordinator in your area from the list below.
- District 1 (Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah and Shoshone counties): Rob Beachler, 208-772-1216 | Robert.Beachler@itd.idaho.gov | 600 Prairie, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
- District 2 (Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Lewis, and Idaho counties): Jole Wells, 208-799-4226 | Jole.Wells@itd.idaho.gov | 2600 N & S Highway, PO Box 837, Lewiston, ID 83501
- District 3 (Adams, Valley, Washington, Payette, Gem, Boise, Canyon, Ada, Elmore, and Owyhee counties): Aaron Bauges, 208-334-8964 | Aaron.Bauges@itd.idaho.gov | 8150 Chinden Blvd, PO Box 8028, Boise, ID 83707
- District 4 (Camas, Blaine, Gooding, Lincoln, Jerome, Minidoka, Twin Falls, and Cassia counties): Andrew Young, 208-886‐7848 | Andrew.Young@itd.idaho.gov | 216 S. Date St, PO Box 2-A, Shoshone, ID 83352
- District 5 (Bingham, Caribou, Power, Bannock, Oneida, Franklin, and Bear Lake counties): Melodie Halstead, 208-239-3370 | Melodie.Halstead@itd.idaho.gov | 515 S. 5th St, PO Box 4700, Pocatello, ID 83205
- District 6 (Lemhi, Custer, Butte, Jefferson, Clark, Fremont, Madison, Teton, and Bonneville counties): Jeff Sneddon, 208-745-5863 | Jeffrey.Sneddon@itd.idaho.gov | 206 N. Yellowstone Highway, PO Box 97, Rigby, ID 83442
- State-wide (Off State Highway System): Amanda LaMott, 208-344-0565 | ALaMott@lhtac.org
Contacts
• Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Email Contact: ITDbikePed@ITD.Idaho.Gov
• Transportation Alternative Program Email Contact: TAP@ITD.Idaho.Gov