Catalpa Drive in Boise will close to vehicle traffic on Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m., marking the third consecutive year the city has hosted an Open Streets event. The closure, stretching between Collister Drive and Hill Road, transforms the roadway into a pedestrian-friendly zone for residents of the Collister neighborhood.
Community Focus in Collister
The Boise Bicycle Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cycling in the Treasure Valley, organizes the initiative. This year’s event distinguishes itself as the first Open Streets gathering held entirely on a residential street, rather than incorporating commercial business districts. The program functions essentially as a neighborhood block party, allowing locals to reclaim public space for walking and biking.
The Collister Neighborhood Association applied for funding two years ago after surveying residents about their interest in such an event. The City of Boise subsequently awarded the association a $30,000 grant to support the initiative. To ensure accessibility, the Boise Bicycle Project has established five bus routes to transport attendees to the event site.
Shifting Mobility Priorities
Clancy Anderson of the Collister Neighborhood Association emphasized that the streets serve purposes beyond automobile transit. “It’s about showing people that our streets are more than transportation for cars,” Anderson said.
Devin McComas noted that the event highlights broader questions regarding safety and mobility in Ada County. He suggested the gathering poses a critical question to planners: if residents feel safe on neighborhood streets during the event, what steps can be taken to ensure that same sense of security remains after the festivities end.
Related Local Government Changes
The event coincides with recent legislative changes affecting local governance in Ada County. A new law allows all county residents to vote for two Ada County Highway District (ACHD) commissioners, expanding participation beyond district-specific voting. Additionally, legislation passed by the Idaho Legislature will transition ACHD elections from non-partisan to partisan contests beginning in 2028.