The recent BPAC Committee Meeting held on September 11 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, focused on the ongoing development of a strategic plan aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians. The committee, which includes city councilor Michael Garcia as chair and a mix of city and county residents, is dedicated to making walking and biking in Santa Fe safer and more accessible.

A significant topic of discussion was the strategic plan's updates, which are based on survey results from 2021. The plan, first adopted in October 2022, is designed to be a living document that evolves with community needs and feedback. The committee aims to achieve ambitious goals by 2033, including increasing bicycle ridership from 1% to 5.5% and improving the city's walkability score significantly.

Members emphasized the importance of focusing on the action plan within the strategic plan, which outlines specific tasks and responsibilities. The committee discussed the need for clarity in reporting progress on these tasks, distinguishing between items that are "in progress" versus those that are "continuous." This distinction is crucial for accountability and ensuring that the committee remains on track to meet its goals.

Additionally, there was a consensus on the need to present the updated strategic plan to new city councilors to foster understanding and support for BPAC's initiatives. Members suggested that regular updates on the strategic plan be included in subcommittee communications to keep all members informed and engaged.

As the committee moves forward, it aims to refine its approach to ensure that the strategic plan effectively addresses the needs of the community and enhances the overall quality of life in Santa Fe. The next steps include further subcommittee meetings to finalize updates and prepare for future presentations to the city council.