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BPAC votes to draft letter supporting SB73 (Idaho stop) and seek Councilor signature
Summary
BPAC voted to draft a letter in support of Senate Bill 73, which would allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yields and make limited changes to how bicyclists navigate intersections; committee members urged timely action and some pledged to testify in committee hearings.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on Feb. 13 voted to draft a letter supporting Senate Bill 73, commonly referred to as the “Idaho stop,” and to seek Councilor Michael Garcia’s signature for submission to the legislature.
SB73 would make changes to how bicyclists approach stop signs and red lights in specific circumstances (allowing a stop-as-yield at stop signs and a limited right turn on red after a full stop in some Idaho-style provisions). Committee members discussing the bill reported that similar laws in other states have been associated with reductions in certain intersection crashes; members also noted concerns raised by the New Mexico Department of Transportation about potential liability implications.
Why it matters: Supporters said the law recognizes the practical behavior of many cyclists and can improve intersection safety by reducing unsafe lane-positioning and long delays at intersections. Members urged quick action because the bill was scheduled for additional committee consideration; some committee members volunteered to attend committee hearings in Santa Fe to show constituent support.
Motion and next steps: A BPAC motion passed directing staff or a volunteer (as designated by the committee) to draft a letter of support and to coordinate with Councilor Garcia to sign and submit the letter to the appropriate Senate committee. The committee also discussed having members attend legislative committee hearings to demonstrate public support.
Ending: The committee will circulate the draft letter to members for review and seek the councilor’s signature; members noted the bill’s committee schedule is constrained and encouraged prompt completion of the letter.
