Lack of Bike Lanes Affect Idaho Falls Bicyclists

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Story Published: Jul 11, 2008 at 5:22 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:02 PM MST

By Anthony Congi

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If you're a bicyclists, you've probably noticed that Idaho Falls can be a pretty scary place to ride your bike.
Officer Peter Klepich, Idaho Fall Police Department: "Most streets in Idaho Falls don't have a bicycle lane."
It's as simple as that. A lack of bike lanes limits the space for both cars and bikes. Neither side seems to be happy and that leads to confusion when it comes to sharing the road.
Officer Peter Klepich has been patrolling Idaho Falls by bike for the last 3 years and has been accident free.
Klepich: "You always gotta assume that people in the cars can't see you and if you assume that and you ride that way, you're gonna be ok most of the time."
Remember this law, bike as far right as possible. Its up to the driver to treat them just like any other vehicle and pass with caution. Bicyclists can use stop signs as yield and red lights as stop signs.
Another lesser known law, if there is no bike lane, which is often the case in Idaho Falls, bicyclists can ride on the sidewalk unless otherwise posted, but should ride slowly and yield to pedestrians.
These bike riders say drivers don't pay attention and would like to see bike lanes added in town.
Wesley Wagner, Bicyclist: "We got people trying to swerve at you when you're trying to cross the street, swearing at you cause you do cross the street. You just hope that you don't get hurt."
Officer Klepich says he's been on many accidents involving bikes and says often times, it's the bicyclist's fault.
Klepich: "Bicycle riders think they have the rights of pedestrians all the time or that everyone should get out of their way. But if they ride down the road and observe traffic laws, just like they were driving a car, most of the time, the accidents could have been prevented."
Renee McGee with Planning and Zoning says there are plans to update the bike paths for not only Idaho Falls, but most of Bonneville County but those plans probably won't be going before the council until fall or winter.

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