BPAC approves folding Bike Route 66 wayfinding into Phase 2 wayfinding implementation

Tim Rogers presented a conceptual wayfinding plan that would sign a Bike Route 66 corridor into and through the city (primarily an east-side route using Old Santa Fe Trail and Don Gaspar) and added a companion "hospitals" routing sign to guide riders toward medical destinations. Rogers said the project would require roughly 17 sign locations and 28 plaques and would be significantly smaller in scope than the Phase 2 citywide wayfinding effort.

Rogers said the plan proposes a locally designed Bike Route 66 emblem (a vintage bicycle silhouette) rather than attempting to adopt or change the state’s Route 66 signage. Staff checked with NMDOT and learned the state is not in a position to change state bike route plaques; county staff recommended the project use a locally controlled emblem and keep state route 9 signage distinct. The plan focuses on the east-side alignment into the Plaza and uses the rail trail as the preferred west-side connection rather than a longer Alta Vista/Galisteo alternate.

Romella said the city will cost the project and suggested combining its implementation with Phase 2 wayfinding to avoid multiple small purchase orders. BPAC moved to "roll up" Bike Route 66 wayfinding into the Phase 2 implementation package so public-works can cost and implement it; the roll-call vote passed (yes votes recorded for present members). Staff will assign a new project manager and propose a construction package that may be implemented as part of Phase 2.