ADA COUNTY- The Ada County Highway District is once again being recognized by the Idaho Chapter of the American Planning Association.
ACHD was awarded the 2022 Planning Tool or Implementation Award by APA Idaho for the creation and distribution of ACHD's Ada County Bicycle Map.
Edinson Bautista, who led the map's development and distribution efforts, was recognized during APA Idaho's 2022 Conference Award Ceremony last week.
The Planning Tool or Implementation Award is given based on criteria including originality, innovation, transferability, quality, comprehensiveness, public participation, effectiveness and results.
The map shows the bicycle network throughout Ada County as well as information about public amenities and features including bike shops, libraries, hospitals, schools and parks. With information on both sides, the back features subset maps for each of the cities.
The 2022 Ada County Bicycle Map is the third iteration of the bike map produced by ACHD. With each iteration comes improvements and new information for map holders. Bicyclists will also find information regarding State of Idaho rules, bicycle facilities, and best practices within the map. Also incorporated are different elements of the current guidelines and best practices for bicycle planning, including the District's Roadway to Bikeway Master Plan Addendum, Livable Street Performance Measures, and FHWA Bike Network Mapping Idea Book.
The new elements give cyclists more information to help them make more informed decisions about their bike route.
For the first time, a Spanish version of the bike map became available to bicyclists in 2022.
"I am proud that we were able to produce a map that aligns with our goal to improve transportation for those who bike," said Bautista. "The elements in the map help all cyclists plan their route, from casual riders to the most experienced users."
The 2022 Ada County Bicycle Map was released in May to coincide with ACHD Commuteride's annual May in Motion campaign. Additionally, ACHD staff distributed the map in 28 bike shops, 6 government offices, 15 libraries and 59 little free libraries.
"Congratulations to Edinson and our staff members who earned this award," said ACHD Commission President Mary May. "I am so proud of their hard work in creating a map that provides cyclists with the tools they need to bike around Ada County."
ACHD's 2022 Ada County Bicycle Map is available in several locations around Ada County. Residents can also request a map by submitting a TellUs form on ACHD's website.