Idaho Walk Bike Alliance (IWBA) is rolling out new Human-Powered Transportation events for kids and families in rural communities this summer. Since 2009, IWBA has worked to “Advocate – Educate – Celebrate” active transportation, encouraging Idahoans to walk, bike, and roll safely. Alongside rural programs, IWBA will continue hosting events in cities, including A Week Without Driving in Boise and Pocatello Sept. 29–Oct. 5, 2025.
The new Human-Powered Rodeo events debuted June 9–13 at parks near South Bannock County libraries, led by new IWBA Executive Director “Cowboy Ted” Hallisey. Known for reaching 275,000 kids through school wellness assemblies, Hallisey was tasked with creating a rural-focused signature program. “I was raised rural and noticed that rural communities get left out of major wellness programs a lot of times and Idaho Walk Bike Alliance wants to make rural communities a top priority,” he said.
Rodeo-style activities—like roping, stick horse riding, barrel racing, and pole bending—are adapted for bikes, scooters, skateboards, strollers, and walking. “I’ve heard and seen a lot about Bike Rodeos and they are great at teaching kids about bike safety, but I noticed they seem to be missing the Rodeo part. We are going to change that with the events we host for rural kids,” Hallisey explained.
Events have been endorsed by Idaho Safe Routes to Schools and featured this summer at libraries, Jensen’s Grove Park in Blackfoot, and the Bannock County Fair, where over 125 families joined a special Reading, Roping, and Human-Powered Rodeo on Aug. 7. IWBA will also share 12 monthly online activity ideas for schools, libraries, and families.
Hallisey added, “We will have fun one-of-a-kind Human-Powered Rodeo events… and parents can roll babies and toddlers through the events with strollers too.” IWBA is also inviting Idaho college students to serve as role models at future events.
To schedule a rodeo, contact “Cowboy Ted” Hallisey at (208) 870-1633. More info and videos: www.idahowalkbike.org.
