Boise River Greenbelt Tips and User Courtesies

Tips for Greenbelt Use

The Greenbelt is a safe, fun and beautiful place to visit. Users can enhance their enjoyment of the Greenbelt and guard against mishaps by following these simple, common sense suggestions:

  • Greenbelt is open from sunrise to sunset. Use of the Greenbelt as transit through may be permitted outside these hours.
  • Segways are allowed by permit to people with disabilities.
  • Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings. Take off headphones and be aware of what's going on around you.
  • Walk confidently. Send the message that you're calm and you know where you're going.
  • Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave the area.
  • Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled areas. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, isolated pathways or alleys.
  • Carry your cell phone. Always know your exact location in case you need to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  • If you think someone is following you, switch directions. If you are scared, don't be embarrassed to yell for help. Go immediately to an area where other people are.
  • Report every unwanted contact by a stranger to the police. Be able to describe the person accurately -- height, weight, clothing and other distinguishing features.
  • If you walk on a regular basis, vary your timing and route.
  • Be observant around buildings, bridges, trees and shrubbery anywhere someone might hide.

If you have concerns about Greenbelt safety please call Boise Parks and Recreation at (208) 608-7600. To report suspicious activity on the Greenbelt or another park facility, call Boise Police dispatch at (208) 377-6790. If it is an emergency, dial 911 immediately.

User Courtesies

To insure that all users' rights are protected and to guard against accidents, the Boise Parks and Recreation Department has established the following courtesies and safety guidelines for pedestrians, in-line skaters, E-scooter users and cyclists to obey.

  • Stay only on designated trails.
  • Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. Cyclists, E-scooter users and in-line skaters must be aware of pedestrians.
  • All Greenbelt users should stay to the right and use caution under bridges and at blind corners where vision could be impaired.
  • Pedestrians should not walk more than two abreast.
  • Motorized vehicles as defined by city code and hoofed animals are prohibited on the Greenbelt. (Except for maintenance, patrol and vehicles for disabled visitors.)
  • All non-paved sections are restricted to foot traffic only.
  • Dogs are allowed only if on a leash - leash not to exceed eight (8) feet.
  • Dog owners are responsible for sanitary disposal of dog feces.
  • Cyclists, E-scooter users and in-line skaters should maintain speeds safe for conditions. Bicyclists and in-line skaters are encouraged not to conduct serious training or to maintain fast speeds. Competitive events for in-line skaters and bicyclists are not allowed because of safety issues and potential accidents.
  • Bicyclists, E-scooter users and skaters who wish to pass other users along the Greenbelt must notify others that they are passing, either verbally (example: "passing on your left") or by other audible means (bell, horn, etc.). The person wishing to pass is responsible for passing freely and clearly around others, and not hindering approaching users.
  • Don't harass or encroach upon the wildlife. Disturbing or collecting any vegetation or natural habitat along the Greenbelt is prohibited.
  • Glass beverage containers are not permitted.
  • Alcohol is prohibited within 250 feet of the Boise River. Beer/wine is allowed in the following restricted areas by permit only in conjunction with a facility reservation or scheduled Boise Parks and Recreation activity: Ann Morrison Old Timer's Shelter, Esther Simplot Park, Julia Davis Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park (certain sites, not all), Marianne Williams Park Gazebo, Veterans Memorial Park and Willow Lane Athletic Complex.

E-bike Information

Boise City Council has approved changes to the city’s bicycle ordinance to address electric bicycles (e-bikes). E-bikes pedal and handle much like a regular bicycle, but they have an electric motor and a battery to augment human power. Under the ordinance changes approved by city council, an e-bike is defined as having motor with a power output of no more than 750 watts and a top speed of 20 miles per hour (which typically falls under Class 1 and Class 2). E-bikes that meet this definition are allowed: 

  • On streets in the City of Boise
  • On sidewalks and crosswalks in the City of Boise
  • In bike lanes throughout the City of Boise
  • On the 25 miles of Greenbelt paths in the City of Boise

E-bikes that can reach or exceed speeds of 28 miles per hour (typically defined as Class 3) are not allowed on the Greenbelt, on sidewalks, in crosswalks or in bike lanes throughout the City of Boise under the ordinance. 

In addition, no e-bikes (Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3) are allowed on Ridge to Rivers trails in the Boise Foothills. The use of e-bikes on certain city-owned Ridge to Rivers trails will only be allowed as an ADA accommodation for individuals with a mobility disability. For more information, click here.

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For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.