Idaho Falls has grown in a pattern that is auto-dependent. Outside of the original downtown core and residential area the distances are too great and there are few safe pedestrian or bike corridors. Retail and service centers are concentrated in strips on arterials that are not easily accessible except by car. The bus system is inconvenient in both coverage and frequency. Other areas in the state that have experienced high growth rates in the last ten years tend to exhibit the same growth pattern as Idaho Falls.
Subdivisions are separate and distant from goods, services, work and school.
Transportation choices are insufficient with limited transit, bicycle or pedestrian use. Idaho's high aggressive driving death rate is likely due, in part, to these growth patterns. Regions all over the state can take steps now to improve transportation choices and make their streets safer for all users. While the City of Boise enjoys a low rate for now, the growth pattern of the region surrounding Boise would indicate that the region as a whole should be working to increase transportation choices. Much of the advice about avoiding aggressive driving is simply dealing with anger and frustration.