A Comprehensive Multi-Modal Transportation Network for All Users
Prepared for anyone who wants safe streets in Albuquerque • August 2025
Protected bike lanes connecting every neighborhood with safe, separated infrastructure
Safety improvements including HAWK signals and protected crossings
In pedestrian fatalities through proven Complete Streets design
Total investment over 12 years with 4.3:1 return on investment
This comprehensive proposal outlines a transformational multi-modal transportation network for Albuquerque, prioritizing pedestrian safety, cycling infrastructure, micromobility options, and complete streets design. The $2.8 billion investment over 12 years would create a world-class active transportation network serving all residents regardless of age, ability, or income level.
New Mexico ranks #1 deadliest state for pedestrians for eight consecutive years, with 4.41 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people in 2024. Albuquerque accounts for over 50% of the state's pedestrian fatalities, with Bernalillo County seeing 48 deaths in 2024 alone.
Sources: KOB 4 - New Mexico pedestrian death rate highest in US (2025); NMDOT - Pedestrian fatalities decline but remain highest (2025)
Federal infrastructure funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $5 billion for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants through 2026. Albuquerque can capture up to $1.26 billion in federal grants, but only if we act decisively.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation - Safe Streets and Roads for All Program (2025)
Cities like Phoenix and Tucson have successfully implemented over 1,000 miles of bike infrastructure with desert-appropriate shade structures, proving Complete Streets work in hot, arid climates.
18% of Albuquerque residents lack reliable vehicle access, including seniors, young adults, and families struggling with vehicle costs averaging $12,000 annually. Complete streets provide mobility justice.
New Mexico has among the nation's highest rates of diabetes and obesity. Active transportation infrastructure directly addresses these health challenges while reducing healthcare costs.
Cities like Austin, Denver, and Phoenix are rapidly building complete streets networks. Phoenix alone has developed over 1,000 miles of bike lanes as part of its Transportation 2050 plan.
Source: City of Phoenix Active Transportation Projects (2025)
Maintaining car-only infrastructure costs $15,000 per lane-mile annually. Complete streets cost only $2,000 per mile to maintain while serving more people and generating higher property tax revenues.
Source: Albuquerque Journal - New Mexico ranked worst for pedestrian fatalities (2025)
Our vision transforms Albuquerque's streets into complete, safe, and accessible corridors for all users. Every street improvement will incorporate:
Wide sidewalks, protected crossings, and accessible design with desert-appropriate shade structures
Separated bike lanes with physical barriers, following successful models from Phoenix and Tucson
E-scooter and bike share integration with climate-controlled docking stations
Seamless connections to bus rapid transit and existing Rail Runner service
Native plant urban canopy and innovative stormwater management for desert conditions
ADA compliant design ensuring mobility for people of all abilities
The Complete Streets approach enhances the existing ART BRT system by adding protected bike lanes and wider sidewalks while maintaining the transit investment Albuquerque has already made. Research shows that integrating cycling infrastructure with BRT systems increases ridership for both modes by creating seamless multi-modal connections.
Source: Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition - Protected Bike Lane Benefits (2024)
Safe routes to all 200+ schools
Speed bumps, mini-roundabouts
Native trees and local art
At every transit stop and crossing
Cottonwoods, elms for natural cooling
Water fountains and misting systems
Detect pedestrians, cyclists, air quality
Adjust timing for weather and traffic
Real-time trip planning and alerts
For visual examples of successful Complete Streets projects, search for:
These examples can be found on city transportation department websites, NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials), and the Federal Highway Administration's Complete Streets resources.
Studies consistently show that Complete Streets improve business outcomes by attracting more foot traffic and creating vibrant commercial districts. Protected bike lanes increase retail sales by 49%, reduce commercial vacancies, and attract customers who spend more per visit than drivers.
Immediate Safety Interventions
Priority Areas: Central Ave, Coors Blvd, Montgomery, Eubank, San Mateo
Comprehensive Active Transportation Network
Focus: Connecting neighborhoods to employment centers and schools
Metro-wide Active Transportation
Coverage: Extending to Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Los Lunas
Next-Generation Transportation
Innovation: Establishing Albuquerque as a smart city leader
Source: FHWA - Safe Streets and Roads for All Fact Sheet (2025)
of trips under 3 miles by bike/walk
annual vehicle miles reduced
daily active transportation trips
of residents within 1 mile of protected bike lane
Converting the 6-lane highway into a complete street with BRT, protected bike lanes, and safe pedestrian crossings following successful models from other desert cities.
Features: 15-minute BRT service, grade-separated bike lanes, pedestrian overpasses every 0.5 miles, desert-adapted landscaping with native plants, cooling stations at transit stops
A 50-mile continuous trail system along the Rio Grande with connections to every neighborhood, leveraging Albuquerque's unique natural asset.
Features: 12-foot wide paved trail, separate equestrian path, bridge connections every 2 miles, rest areas with shade and water, emergency call boxes, native landscaping, solar-powered LED lighting, winter maintenance program
Low-stress, family-friendly bike routes on residential streets connecting schools, parks, and commercial districts, modeled after successful programs in Portland and Seattle.
Features: 15 mph speed limit, shared space for bikes/pedestrians, traffic calming devices, bike priority signals, frequent street trees for shade, art installations celebrating local culture, safe routes to schools
Cambridge, Massachusetts saw its bike infrastructure score jump from 31 to 58 in five years after implementing a Complete Streets ordinance. Los Angeles voters approved Measure HLA requiring complete streets implementation during any street improvements, demonstrating public support for these policies.
Source: PeopleForBikes - The Power of Complete Streets Mandates (2024)
Research consistently shows that adding protected bike lanes to streets reduces collisions and injuries by 30-50% for all road users, not just cyclists. Chicago's barrier-protected bike lanes saw 55% increases in ridership while improving safety for pedestrians and drivers.
Source: Chicago Complete Streets - Barrier Protected Bike Lanes (2015)
The implementation strategy prioritizes historically underserved areas with:
$400M investment in South Valley infrastructure, connecting residents to downtown jobs and services
Safe routes to all 200+ schools, reducing car dependence for families
Direct bike/walk connections to all major medical facilities
15,000 direct construction jobs plus 12,000 indirect jobs over 12 years
Vision Zero by 2035
Reduction in Pedestrian Fatalities
Reduction in Bike Injuries
of trips by active transportation
daily bike trips
annual micromobility trips
💡 Cost-Effectiveness: $85M annual operations vs. $180M+ in current crash costs, healthcare expenses, and lost productivity
The Albuquerque Complete Streets initiative represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our city into a safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation network. This $2.8 billion investment over 12 years will create transformational change for our community.
Safe, comfortable pedestrian infrastructure everywhere
Protected bike lanes connecting every neighborhood
35% reduction in transportation emissions
Transportation choices for all income levels
By 2037, Albuquerque will be recognized as the leading mid-size city in America for active transportation, setting the standard for safe, sustainable, and equitable mobility.
Federal infrastructure funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is available at unprecedented levels through 2026. Cities across America are competing for these dollars. Albuquerque must act decisively to secure our share of this historic investment.
The cost of inaction is measured in lives lost, economic opportunities missed, and a city left behind.