Rolling Forward

Bicyclists tell city they want dedicated lanes and some are on the way

Protected bicycle lanes should be at the top of the list for future city biking infrastructure, according to results from a survey that’s part of the newest Santa Fe Metropolitan Public Transit Master Plan effort. The survey is ongoing but so far has 142 respondents, 130 of which either had used or planned to use the “pilot project” bicycle corral in front of Cowgirl BBQ. Respondents said the corral, a concept the city might employ at other locations, was an easy option for the “somewhat difficult” task of finding safe and secure places to park a bike. 

When asked what the city should prioritize for bicycle facility investments, 73 respondents favored protected bicycle lanes, which use curbs, planters or posts to separate bikes from car traffic. Research shows that layer of separation adds a sense of safety that increases use of the alternative transportation mode. Marked bicycle lanes and bicycle conflict areas, like intersections, merging lanes, green pavement and bicycle box markings, also have significant support.

The Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee plans to talk about the survey at its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16. It will also review preliminary plans for spending roughly $30,000 to install marked bicycle lanes on West Alameda Street and Osage Avenue. The city opted to set off separate bike lanes with a solid white line, instead of marking shared lanes with a "sharrow," because the width of the street allows it in most places. The bike lane will end before the West Alameda and St. Francis intersection area, which was considered not wide enough. Markings won't continue through intersections.

Painted green bicycle lanes are also being installed at four locations in town: Governor Miles Road and Richards Avenue, Camino Carlos Rey and Siringo Road, at the Y where Camino Carlos Rey branches off toward Cerrillos Road, and Paseo de Peralta and Don Gaspar Avenue. The city expects to have those lanes completed this year. 

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