Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
April 15, 2016 – This week New Mexico In Focus looks at safety concerns for bicyclists and pedestrians. We bring you the new documentary “Hikers, Bikers and Automobiles” from local filmmaker Chris Schueler. The film features doctors, city planners, community members and other advocates who are addressing safety for all people on the roads of communities across the state.
New Mexico currently ranks second in the nation for the number of cyclists killed on the road in recent years, according to the state Department of Health.
Recently, the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Municipal Development (DMD) announced a new project that will give bicyclists more room to enjoy the roads. The initiative calls for narrowing driving lanes 2 feet, widening bike lanes to up to 6 feet and adding a buffer between bike lanes and driving lanes. This project will be at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave NE and Broadway Blvd, but the city aims to implement this on other intersections across Albuquerque.
Host Gene Grant sits down this week with a special line panel. Marisa Demarco, a public health reporter for KUNM talks about their coverage of many different angles surrounding this issue. Don McIver tells us about his family’s experience giving up cars and using only bicycles as a means of transportation for several years. Ann Overstreet from Bike ABQ describes how her organization is working to bring safe bicycle riding in the Land of Enchantment. And Melissa Lozoya from the Department of Municipal Development for city of Albuquerque shares what the city is doing to address safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Here are more organizations, departments and reports:
Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center
City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation