Bike lanes in Boise

[Trish]

I have a feeling all you bike people out there are hard-riding, zillion speeds on your bikes, but I really could use some help. 4 weeks ago I had a horrible bike accident at night on Orchard Ave - no bike lanes could be seen and the was riding the sidewalk because it was there. Cars were too close to the sidewalk to try to make a lane. I came to a section of sidewalk that had no curb and I (dummy me) rode right off the walk smack into the right lane of traffic. Luckily the lady driving the big GMC truck stopped 2 feet from me or I couldn't be writing this now. My bike was slightly damaged and my bod was damaged even more, but I could walk and talk and went to a store and called a cab. Long story, short question: where can I find a list of roads, streets that have good bike lanes? This is my only transportation, but I do pretty well for a 67 yr old (you didn't hear that!). Thanks for any help.

[Sarah Carrico]

Right here: http://www.achd.ada.id.us/PDF/Biking/BikewayMap.pdf

:)

[Trish]

Thank you! Thank you! See you on the street. Are there any bike gatherings for cruisers? Great group!

[Sarah Carrico]

My pleasure! As for your question.... I have no idea!! :)

[Kai Applequist]

I just wanted to add a piece of advice. I often ride down Orchard, which is one of the streets in boise that really is way to skinny, but I never ride on the sidewalk. There a few problems with riding on the side walk. 1)The cars who are trying to turn on to the street never pull up to the sidewalk but pull up to the street instead, very dangerouse because they hardly ever look to see if there is someone on a bike crossing from sidewalk to sidwalk right there. 2)Getting around Pedestrians isn't always the easiest thing. 3) Like you experienced, there are times when you have to get on the road anyways, so you might as well already be riding in the road so as to establish your position to those who are driving, instead of trying to create some space in the mass of traffic. 4)The chances of picking up goat heads is a lot greater on the sidewalk because at least on the road you have a couple feet barrier between you and the goat head plants.

When you have to ride on the road without a bike lane do not ride timidly or second guess yourself. Take enough space so you aren't riding off the side of the road. Ride a straight line so you look like you know what you are doing. Basically act as if you belong there because you do. The cars will give you more space and respect.

Another tip is to always stay calm/confident and always be observant. You are going to react to potentially dangerous situations better if you are in a calm/confident state of mind. You want to watch what cars are doing in front of you and try to predict there movements. Brake lights and turn signals (when they use them) are always good indicators. Make sure to make eye contact with people who might potentially pull out in front of you and make sure that they see you, I also look at there wheels to see if they are moving at all. Another dangerous thing is going through an intersection and the people in the oncoming turning lane could potentially turn right in front of you. So again make eye contact make sure they are looking at you because sometimes they may be just blowing through trying to make the light. Stop if you aren't sure. Always be preemptive.

One more thing, there are almost alway side streets you can go down to cut the amount of time you spend on the major roads. Like by Orchard you can hook on to Rosevelt, which is a neighboorhood road. It goes the same way and may add a bit to the ride but it is a great deal less stressful. If you have any questions or if you want some help putting together a less stressful bike route let me know.

[Trish]

Thanks for your advice! I can see the logic and sense of your suggestion. I need the practice on heavily traveled streets. Cars do intimidate me! I'm working on that now. The bike map helped a lot! I had a doctor's appt and took the bike. The ride was great because I didn't use Fairview, nor Five mile to get there. It was a pleasant, relaxing ride IN THE BIKE LANES! Thanks again.

[Connie Adams]

Hi Trish! I took the "Street Smarts" class last summer hosted at REI by the ACHD. It was a great cycling class that taught me a ton about commuting in our city. I am now riding my "Comfort" Bike 5 days a week to and from work. I travel from West Boise down Ustick and Chinden and on into the Downtown area. My ride home is high traffic and I totally agree with the comments by Kai... pretty much what the "Street Smarts: class taught! Good Luck and Enjoy your rides! Oh...I am a plus size so I couldn't find any cycle wear that was in that obnoxious visiblity yellow so I bought a construction workers mesh vest at D & B Supply....It is super unattractive...BUT I BET THEY SEE ME ON THE ROAD! I feel strongly about lighting and bright clothes and wont even ride around the block without my helmet. I have too many folks I love to be unsafe!

[Trish]

Hi Connie! I wondered where people got those vests. It's a good idea. I'll call REI about the classes. But, you know, having 3 cyclists killed on the road in the past month is scary. None of them were beginners. I think the motorists need the classes along with us. Thanks for the suggestion.