Traffic Summary for Idaho Falls
In 2024, Idaho Falls sees a dominant reliance on cars for commuting, with a significant 85.71% of residents choosing this mode of transport. Walking is the second most popular mode of transportation, accounting for 14.29% of commutes, highlighting a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Average Commute Times
- Car - For those commuting by car, the average driving time is about 11.83 minutes over a distance of 8.88 km.
- Walking - Pedestrians in Idaho Falls spend around 20 minutes walking, covering an average distance of 5 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the summer months as tourists visit nearby attractions. Winter conditions can lead to slower commutes due to snow and ice on the roads.
Commuter Pain Points
Limited public transportation options can make commuting challenging for those without access to a car. Weather conditions, particularly in winter, can significantly impact travel times and safety.
Best Travel Times
Early mornings before 8 AM and late evenings after 6 PM are generally the best times to avoid traffic congestion. Midday travel is also relatively smooth, especially for non-commuting trips.
Event Impacts
Local events, such as the Idaho Falls Fair, can lead to temporary spikes in traffic congestion. Concerts and sports events at local venues also contribute to increased traffic during event times.
Sustainability Efforts
Idaho Falls is exploring initiatives to expand bike lanes and improve public transportation options. Community programs are in place to encourage carpooling and reduce single-occupancy vehicle use.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have begun to reduce the need for personal car ownership, particularly among younger residents. These services offer flexible commuting options, potentially decreasing traffic congestion during peak hours.
Traffic Rankings
The Traffic Index for the United States combines user-contributed data on commute times, traffic dissatisfaction, CO2 emissions, and traffic system inefficiencies in United States, to provide insights into overall traffic conditions.
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Walking
"Key Takeaways"
Encouraging the use of bicycles or public transport could help reduce CO2 emissions and improve traffic efficiency.
Investing in pedestrian infrastructure can further support the significant portion of the population that commutes by walking.
Key Indexes
EmissionsThe CO2 emissions index for Idaho Falls is 2812, indicating a moderate level of emissions primarily from car usage.
Efforts to reduce emissions could focus on promoting alternative transportation methods.
TimeThe time index is 13.43, reflecting the average commute duration.
This suggests relatively efficient travel times compared to larger urban areas.
InefficiencyThe inefficiency index stands at 37.71, pointing to potential areas for improvement in traffic flow.
Reducing car dependency could help lower this inefficiency.