We’re halfway through National Bike Month, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy pedaling around Boise. From picking a bike, to how to get from point A to B on your two-wheeled transport — we have you covered.
Choose Your Bike
Where do you plan on cycling, and for what use? If you’re commuting to work on city streets, you might consider a hybrid or road bike. If you’re imagining yourself gently cruising along the Greenbelt and speed isn’t vital, a cruiser bike could be your best bet.
But don’t get too caught up in labels. Matt Schlimgen from the Boise Bicycle Project told City Cast Boise that it’s totally normal to see mountain bikes ridden on city streets.
Find Your Route
The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) has an updated online map showing streets that are more and less bike-friendly. Generally speaking, the “High Comfort for All” routes are concentrated in the North End, Downtown, East End, Central Rim, and Depot Bench. The new 11th Street Bikeway has raised curbing to protect cyclists through downtown and can be a useful north-south route, while a good chunk of 8th Street is closed to cars. And of course, linking up with the Greenbelt can be a reliably safe and pleasant ride — unless it’s under construction.
The purple lines represent streets ACHD characterizes as “High Comfort for All” while the red dotted lines indicate routes that are described as “Increased Stress for Most.” (Ada County Highway District)
Ride (Safely) Like a Local
Speaking of biking the Greenbelt, pedestrians have the right of way on the path. If you’re passing, gently but clearly announce your intention by saying “on the left” in advance, or ring your bell.
Especially if you’re riding on the streets, pick up a set of front and rear lights from your favorite bike shop, and (duh) don’t forget your helmet. And enjoy those mostly flat roads; once you get up the hill on the Bench it’s smooth sailing!
Options for Repair
Flats happen! (Looking at you, goatheads.) If you’re downtown and need a free bike pump downtown, City Hall has a bike repair station, along with the Boise Co-Op in the North End, Idaho Mountain Touring, and McU Sports.
A Word on the Idaho Stop
Did you know that Idaho was the first state to pass a law allowing cyclists to treat a stop sign like a yield sign? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 1982 law has since been adopted by several other states — and the Gem State saw a 14.5% decrease in bicyclist injuries due to crashes after its passage.
