BOISE BICYCLE PROJECT Traffic Garden

Welcoming Boise’s First Traffic Garden

Since 2007, the Boise Bicycle Project has distributed over 30,000 bikes, with many of those going to kids in our community. Along the way, we identified a major need - Boise needed a safe spot for kids to learn and practice riding their bikes while the fight for safer streets continues.

After years of planning with the Boise Bicycle Project’s Advocacy Committee, support from the Idaho Transportation Department’s SHIFT Idaho Program, and a partnership with the City of Boise, we’re thrilled to introduce Boise’s first Traffic Garden at Ann Morrison Park! Opened in August 2025, this space offers a safe, interactive environment where children (and adults!) can build their skills and confidence riding.

What is a Traffic Garden?

A traffic garden is a miniature version of a real street designed to help people, especially kids, practice walking, biking, and rolling safely on a car-free safety course. Visitors can learn how to read traffic signs, yield to crosswalks and at intersections, and generally build confidence navigating streets through play and practice.

Map

How to Use the Traffic Garden

For Kids

  • Put on your helmet and get on your bike

  • Ride through the course and explore the signs and markings

  • Practice stopping at stop signs and yielding at intersections

  • Try using hand signals when you turn

  • Ride with a friend or adult to build confidence

  • Have fun zooming around the traffic garden and playing bike games!

For Parents & Educators

  • Walk through the traffic garden with your kids first and talk about what each sign or lane means

  • Encourage kids to stop at signs and look both ways before crossing intersections

  • Ask questions: “What does that sign mean?” “Who goes first here?”

  • Reinforce helmet safety, hand signals, and taking turns

Traffic Garden Signs & Road Markings Explained

  • Bike Parking

    Use this space as a place to park your bike! Don’t forget to look behind you before backing out.

  • Crosswalk & Bus Lane

    When you get close to a crosswalk, look both ways to see if anyone is waiting to cross - this could be a person walking, riding a bike, or even on a scooter. If someone is there, stop your bike all the way. Wait until they’ve gone all the way across, then you can start riding again!

  • Railroad Tracks

    When you reach train tracks on your bike, stop and look both ways. Listen carefully for trains. If you see a train, flashing lights, or a gate is down - wait. Only cross when the train is gone, signals are off, and there’s plenty of room on the other side. Roll straight across without stopping on the tracks!

  • Double-Lane Roundabout

    Before you enter, pick your lane - right lane for the first exit, left lane for going farther. Slow down, look, and let people already inside go first. Stay in your lane, don’t switch, and use your hand signal when you leave.

  • Stops

    Make sure to come to a complete stop at any places marked as “stop”, or when there are stop signs at intersections.

Games & Skills Zone

  • Foot Down

    Ride slowly inside the marked square with your friends - be careful not to leave the square!

    Try not to put your foot down.

    The last rider remaining in the square without touching the ground wins.

    Play solo or with as many riders as you'd like.

  • Snake Course

    Follow the painted snake path from start to finish.

    Keep both wheels on the line - don't stray off course.

    This challenge helps improve steering and balance at slow speeds. Try going as slow as you can!

  • Ring of Doom

    Ride in each circle, starting with the largest.

    Stay inside each circle for 60 seconds without putting a foot down or crossing the circle’s lines 

    Keep working down to the smallest circle.

    Compete against another rider or test your balance solo.

    Try not to get knocked out or cross the boundary lines.

Learn-to-Ride Zone

This space is set aside for people of all ages to learn to ride a bicycle - scroll below to see our helpful tools for learning to ride!

Helpful Tools for Riding

Hand signals are like your bike’s turn signals - they let everyone know where you’re going so you can ride safely. Turning and stopping hand signals are also required when riding on roads in Idaho.  See the video below to learn basic hand signals.

Learning Hand Signals

Using the “Strider Method” as an Alternative for Training Wheels

At BBP, we encourage the “Strider method” instead of training wheels because it helps kids learn balance first, which makes the switch to pedaling much faster. It also builds confidence and coordination, encourages safe riding habits, and is lightweight and fun, so new riders feel in control while gliding on their own. You don’t need to have a Strider bike to use the strider method; you just need to take off your pedals! Visit BBP during regular business hours to get your pedals removed.

Our Tips

Here are some tips to help new riders get started with confidence:

Start with Balance First

  • Take the pedals off your bike and practice moving forward with your feet.

    • The Boise Bicycle Project is just around the corner if you need some help taking pedals off or any mechanical assistance. Location: 1027 Lusk St, Boise, ID 83706

  • Focus on gliding and staying upright - balance is the key to riding.

Keep It Low and Slow

  • Lower the seat so both feet can touch the ground

  • Ride on a smooth, flat surface with plenty of space

  • Start slow - there’s no need to rush!

  • Look ahead, not at your feet or the ground - this helps with balance and keeps your riding straight

Pedal Power Comes Later

  • Once your balance feels good, reattach your pedals

  • Have someone give a gentle push, or practice pushing off with one foot to start

  • Keep pedaling - it’ll help you stay upright

Celebrate the Wobbles

  • Everyone wobbles at first - that’s part of learning!

  • Keep trying, take breaks, and cheer each other on


Riding Together Helps!

  • Ride next to a friend or adult for support and encouragement

  • Use the traffic garden or games area to practice turns, stops, and signaling in a safe space once you get the hang of it

Need Help? Visit Boise Bicycle Project!

If you need help with bike repairs, need an affordable bike, or want to take off pedals to try the Strider method, come by Boise Bicycle Project! Click here to see our current regular business hours.