A new bill introduced in the Idaho Legislature would preserve mobility for most travelers in the state by eliminating “road diets” on highways and arterial roads, thereby preserving much-needed capacity to accommodate the state’s rapid growth.
Senate Bill 1144 seeks to improve mobility by reducing or eliminating the controversial practice of taking away general travel lanes for other modes on high-volume streets. It would also require that cycle lanes only be improved as a secondary or tertiary priority, rather than a primary justification for a project. The proposed legislation does create exceptions for bike facilities in need of safety improvements and repairs. Residential and city streets would not be affected should the bill pass.
The State of Idaho has continued to see an influx of new residents, businesses and commercial facilities – with growth rates far above the national average – leading to more traffic congestion, less productivity and wasted fuel. In fact, the Ada County Highway District estimates vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) will increase more than 70% in Ada County alone by 2040, further emphasizing the need to preserve, maintain and increase road capacity.
While cycling is important in Idaho, it represents just one percent of commute trips. Car commuting, on the other hand, makes up 81%. Even in the Boise Metro Area, the state’s most populous region, both driving and working from home make up a stunning 95% of commutes in 2023, based on the latest data available from the Census Bureau.
Source: “Means of Transportation to Work,” Table B08301, American Community Survey, US Census Bureau, 2023 1-Year Estimates
The State of Idaho, along with many of its cities, counties and regions, is expected to grow rapidly over the next few decades, resulting in more travel demand on the road network. Senate Bill 1144 would help preserve and maintain road capacity on high-volume roads to accommodate that growth, while ensuring other modes can be considered and included in project delivery.