‘The path is for everybody’: Cities launch Greenbelt safety effort as summer beckons

As summer arrives and the Boise River Greenbelt once again becomes the Treasure Valley’s favorite destination for recreation, officials have one ask: be a good neighbor.

At a press conference held outside Garden City City Hall on Friday, city leaders from across the Valley introduced new yellow signs that will be posted throughout the Greenbelt reading, “The path is for everybody” and “Slow down, pass carefully, ride safely.” The gathering drew representatives from Boise, Garden City, Eagle and Middleton, all emphasizing that Greenbelt safety is a regional concern.

Electric dirt bikes were the sharpest point of contention. While standard e-bikes under 750 watts are permitted on the Greenbelt, electric dirt bikes, which can reach speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour, are not. They are also banned from city sidewalks and streets in Idaho.

“I think there’s been a misconception that just because it’s electric that it’s allowed, and that’s just not the case,” Garden City Mayor Bill Jacobs said.

While there are no code-specific repercussions for riding electric dirt bikes on the Greenbelt, Jacobs emphasized that traffic laws apply, and “good citizenship” includes being courteous to other Greenbelt goers.

“We need to have that courtesy as we’re navigating these new types of bikes that exist because so many of us love to be on the Greenbelt,” Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said. “To ensure that each of our jurisdictions — from Boise all the way until the Greenbelt ends — is able to continue offering this great opportunity, we ask our residents to be courteous.”

Officials offered a few reminders for those sharing the Greenbelt this summer:

• Stay to the right and pass on the left, alerting others with a verbal “on your left” when necessary.
• Pedestrians always have the right of way.
• Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 8 feet.
• Pack out your trash.