**Improving Bicycle Safety in Albuquerque: Efforts to Make Streets Safer for Cyclists**
On a sunny August afternoon in Albuquerque, Annie Frang was riding her bike home from work when a car struck her, leaving her lying on the pavement next to a roundabout. The incident resulted in multiple injuries, including a separated shoulder that still causes her pain when she sleeps on her side. Frang’s experience highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring the safety of cyclists on the city’s streets.
**The Alarming Statistics**
In 2023, Albuquerque saw 125 bike riders involved in collisions with vehicles, with three fatalities. Over the past five years, 15 individuals lost their lives while cycling in the city. Valerie Hermanson, the public works strategic program manager, expressed concern over these numbers, emphasizing that even one fatality is one too many.
**Vision Zero Initiative**
In response to these alarming statistics, Mayor Tim Keller signed the Vision Zero pledge in May 2019, with the goal of eliminating all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. This initiative focuses on making Albuquerque’s streets safer for vulnerable roadway users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. The city has made significant investments in infrastructure projects to enhance safety measures for cyclists.
**Infrastructure Improvements**
One notable project includes the addition of a buffered bike lane on Louisiana Boulevard, creating a safer space for cyclists by separating their lane from vehicle traffic. Additionally, the West Central Complete Streets Project aims to enhance safety with a paved multi-use trail and buffered bike lanes along a dangerous stretch of road.
**Challenges and Solutions**
Despite these efforts, local cyclists like Eric Biedermann believe there is still a long way to go in ensuring the safety of cyclists. Issues such as variable infrastructure quality and aggressive driving behavior pose significant challenges. While initiatives like protected lanes have shown promise, there is a need for more physical barriers to protect cyclists effectively.
**Wheeled Woes Across the West**
Albuquerque is not alone in facing challenges with bicycle safety. Cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson also struggle with dangerous conditions for cyclists. Urban sprawl and car-centric lifestyles contribute to the difficulty of retrofitting roads with bike lanes. However, initiatives in other cities offer inspiration, such as Tucson’s BikeHAWK signals and Denver’s extensive network of bike lanes.
**Looking Towards a Safer Future**
Albuquerque remains committed to investing in cyclist-friendly infrastructure to support a diverse community of riders and promote environmental sustainability. The recent passage of the Bikeways and Trail Facilities Plan demonstrates the city’s dedication to creating safe and convenient biking networks for all residents. By prioritizing bikeway projects and enhancing infrastructure, Albuquerque aims to shift more driving trips to cycling, improving safety, public health, and the environment.
**About This Story**
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