Tired of distracted drivers creating a dangerous riding environment?
Next week I will continue covering ACHD, specifically their advisory committees and how we can support their fight for safer streets, but first I need to share important bills going through the Statehouse, since the time to show support there is limited to the very short legislative session. (It ends this month!)
First off, the Boise city council passed a hands free ordinance last night, that will be in effect in June! Before June, the Boise Police Department will begin education efforts with traffic notices, billboards, and issuing warnings to distracted drivers to spread the word about the ordinance.
Big thank you to Councilwomen Pro Tem Holli Woodings for pushing this effort for the city of Boise.
A couple weeks ago, SB1314 was passed by the Senate and is on its way to the House Transportation Committee. This bill prohibits use of a mobile device while driving. Read the bill here. This is still important to Boise (and beyond!), as it would create a law that is universal to all Idaho towns.
This week, Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is asking for community members to contact their legislature that sits on the House Transportation Committee and show support for SB1314.
Click here to see who is your district representative, and click here to see if they sit on the House Transportation Committee
Call them this week and share your support of SB1314!
Here are some talking points:
As a walker or a bicyclist, you are concerned for your safety on our roads because of the amount of driver cell phone usage.
It improves safety for children to walk or bicycle to the places they need to go like school, parks or libraries.
Using a cell phone behind the wheel needs to be an infraction, this bill accomplishes that.
Share a personal story if you have one.
One can attempt to navigate the Statehouse on their own, but should one? If you thought ACHD was complicated, the legislature gets even more complicated. But, do not fret! The Idaho Walk Bike Alliance is here to guide you! Subscribe to their Action Alert and Legislative Update emails to stay up to date on bills that impact walk and bike safety state-wide!