City of Albuquerque unveils 2024 bike plan proposal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – If you enjoy riding your bike around Albuquerque, there may soon be even more miles to explore. The city has revealed its proposals for revamping bike routes throughout town. Some people who ride their bikes through Albuquerque say there are lots of areas that need improvement.
“This is the worst part, I mean I can wait as much as five minutes at this intersection crossing Juan Tabo,” said Doug Thompson, bike rider.
Now, the city has unveiled its 2024 Bikeway and Trail Facilities Plan, which proposes updates to Albuquerque bike routes. The city describes it as “a long-term roadmap that includes 300 bike and multi-use trail projects to make biking safer and more appealing.” The last time the city released something like this was back in 2015.
This year’s plan would fill in gaps in the bike route network, add lanes in some areas, and install crossing infrastructure at intersections. Central near Nob Hill would be one of the locations getting a facelift.
“What this bike plan proposes is particularly when you get closer to downtown to put in a separated bike lane so actually having separated posts or (inaudible) to help protect the high volume of cyclists going through in between Nob Hill and Downtown which are of course very attractive destinations for cyclists,” said Patrick Martin, Advocacy Chair for BikeABQ.
Another area would be at Juan Tabo and Southern Boulevard, where the suggestion is to rework the intersection to give bike riders a safe way to cross, since currently they have to weave through traffic.
The plan is in the early stages and will still need approval from city planners and the council. Bike riders say the updates are long overdue and could improve the city’s image.
“That could be a huge boost for the city of Albuquerque, it’s fantastic weather to bike all year round, but myself included and many people I know are too hesitant to bike because of the risk of getting into an accident,” said Greg Doctor, bike rider.
You can review the full plan on the city’s website. The public has until May 31 to leave public comment.
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