Idaho authorities hope to reduce cycle-car crashes

BOISE (AP) - Officials are looking for ways to reduce a growing number of crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers in Boise.

The effort came in response to a series of recent mishaps that left two cyclists and four pedestrians dead and injured others, the Idaho Statesman recently reported.

Community leaders held a summit earlier this month to examine ways to make streets safer.

Police said there's no one factor behind the recent crashes.

Authorities have launched occasional foot patrols focused on educating jaywalkers and drivers about pedestrian safety. The first day focused on a busy downtown road near the Ada County Courthouse. Officers didn't issue any citations, but they did talk to jaywalkers and stop motorists who pulled out in front of pedestrians using crosswalks, police spokeswoman Lynn Hightower said.

"That's a problem area for pedestrians," Hightower said.

Deputy Police Chief Pete Ritter says the department is also handing out clip-on bicycle lights to people spotted pedaling after dark. The lights were paid for by the Ada County Highway District.

"Make yourself visible if you're a bicyclist or a pedestrian," Hightower said. "And if you're a motorist, look for more than just other cars."

Ada County Highway District spokesman Craig Quintana says the agency plans to add more than 400 miles of bike lanes on every major route over the next four decades.

Meanwhile, Marcus Orgon and Lisa Brady with the Boise Bicycle Project are talking to high schoolers in the region about safe biking and driving.

"These kids ask the best questions because they rode their bikes there and now they're driving in a car," Orton said. "I think they're a great group to educate because once they get their license, they understand walking in someone else's shoes."

About 8,000 Meridian students in third and eighth grades were given lessons in bicycle safety last year, Orton said. District schools are continuing those lessons this year.

Bicycle advocates also say they'd like to see a smartphone application for submitting details about crashes.

Nearly three years ago, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association in Washington, D.C., developed an online reporting system. Last January, it created a smartphone application for the same purpose. The information helps the group identify trouble spots and determine areas to advocate for improvements.