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Bike Santa Fe, Safe Routes to School outline summer events and push for public education on new Idaho stop law
Summary
Local cycling groups updated BPAC on summer programming, a May 7 family bike fiesta and outreach plans to educate motorists and police about the Idaho stop (SB 73) that takes effect this summer.
Representatives from Safe Routes to School and Bike Santa Fe briefed the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on summer events, bicycle-parking grants and plans to educate the public about New Mexico’s new Idaho-stop law (SB 73). Ryan Harris, Safe Routes to School coordinator for Santa Fe Public Schools, said the federally funded school program is active at 11 schools and is organizing a family Bike Fiesta on May 7 at Aspen Community Magnet School.
"We're a federally funded program that encourages kids to walk or ride their bikes to schools through various programming," Harris said. He described weekly walk-and-roll programs that draw 20–25 children at some schools, a bike-rodeo series serving roughly 250 young children on balance bikes, and plans for a May 7 family bike parade along the river trail with activities, repairs and performances.
Aria, speaking for Bike Santa Fe, thanked the committee for a letter supporting SB 73 and said the group is working to inform the public about the Idaho stop, which takes effect in July. Bike Santa Fe is also partnering with the MPO and Re-Animator on a grant to install bike racks around the city and compiling a prioritized list of businesses needing permanent bike parking.
Committee members discussed outreach strategies for SB 73. Member Ben Schiffmiller explained the law allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yields and, in New Mexico’s version, to treat red lights like stop signs; he asked how to ensure both motorists and police understand the change. Members agreed the City’s communications team could produce a short PSA for social media; committee members also suggested coordinating with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and statewide bike coalitions to avoid duplicative or conflicting messaging.
No formal action was taken. Staff and committee members agreed to coordinate a communications approach with the city’s communications division, Bike Santa Fe and other partners to prepare materials aimed at motorists, law enforcement and bicyclists ahead of the law’s July effective date.
