BOISE – The City of Boise is announcing new efforts to strengthen the safety of residents enjoying the Boise Greenbelt and downtown areas.
In partnership with Lime, speed limits are being reduced for all Lime micromobility devices, effective today. Lime users will be able to ride up to 12 mph on the Boise Greenbelt 24/7 and up to 10 mph in downtown from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Up to now, Lime devices were operating at a maximum speed of 15 mph. Lime and the city worked closely and proactively to execute this change.
In addition, the city will work on strategies to educate privately owned e-scooters and e-bikes users, whose devices can exceed speeds of 30 mph. The Boise Police Department continues conducting bike patrols and has increased education efforts on the Greenbelt to encourage safe and responsible use of e-scooters and e-bikes. The city asks all riders to join our efforts in increasing pedestrian and rider safety by applying similar speeds and other recommended safety measures when riding on the Greenbelt or in the downtown area.
“These upcoming changes demonstrate our commitment to addressing resident safety and feedback; we ask all riders to join us and help keep each other safe by slowing down,” said Bre Brush, Mayor's Office policy advisor on transportation. “By optimizing what exists today and embracing modern technologies, the city will be well positioned for the future. Responsible use of e-scooters and e-bikes is one part of a successful transportation strategy, providing a convenient way to close gaps in our transportation network and diversify our mobility options.”
There are 52 signs along the 29 miles of Greenbelt that the city manages, reminding residents to slow down and share the path. City of Boise reminds all e-bike and e-scooter users to ride safe, park responsibly, and follow proper etiquette and all rules, laws and regulations:
- Riders are encouraged to use bike lanes and multi-use paths. Sidewalk riding is allowed, but riders must yield to pedestrians
- Ride at safe and reasonable speeds. Slow down and use caution on the Greenbelt, in crowded areas, at intersections and at driveways
- Be mindful of obstructions, pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists
- Wear a helmet
- Always follow traffic laws
- Use your voice or bell when passing
- Only one person per Lime device
- Use a light at night – a white or yellow front light and a red rear reflector are required
- Park in designated areas or at a bike rack. Do not block sidewalks, ramps, bus stops, driveways or building entrances
- Anyone operating a device recklessly can be charged with a misdemeanor
Shared e-scooter and e-bike ridership in Boise continues to grow, recently surpassing two million trips since Lime started offering its services in Boise in 2018. Lime continues to offer several programs in Boise to help create a city for everyone by reducing financial barriers for Boise riders: from free helmets to adaptative 4-wheel scooters to access for low-income residents.
Additionally, the city and Lime are committed to addressing resident concerns about the parking of devices. There are preferred and mandatory parking areas in the city to help prevent Lime e-bikes and e-scooters from blocking sidewalks, ramps, and other pedestrian areas. Lime users can receive discounts on their next ride for parking in preferred parking areas designated by parking pins in the Lime app.
To report any improperly parked vehicles or other concerns, fill out the city’s code compliance form.
