The Albuquerque City Council on Nov. 5 unanimously approved an update to the city's traffic code and sidewalk ordinance intended to strengthen protections for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users and to direct automated speed-enforcement revenue toward Vision Zero traffic-safety initiatives.

Councilors said the ordinance updates decades-old code language so it matches current infrastructure and nationwide practice. The bill was introduced by Councilor Brook Fiebelkorn and passed after several floor amendments clarifying definitions for people using personal-assistive mobility devices, altering the language that governs where vulnerable users may cross a roadway, and directing a public-education campaign and a crosswalk/beacon inventory.

The ordinance requires the administration to run a public education campaign about the new code and related traffic-safety practices. The council amended that requirement to direct the administration to present progress monthly for the first 180 days beginning in January 2026 and then quarterly thereafter (via executive communication) so the council and public can monitor outreach, methods and outcomes. The council also added an instruction that the administration report on the number of striped crosswalks needing re-striping and estimated costs and to include the condition of signals and recommended improvements and estimated costs for beacons and crossing signals.

Director of Municipal Development Chris Turner told the council the changes should be paired with outreach: "We strongly support the sentiment that the educational campaign is the most important part once we get the law changed," Turner said. He described the campaign as ongoing rather than time-limited and said staff will report on what works as the program is implemented.

Several amendments were debated and adopted. One amendment revised the definition of "pedestrian" to explicitly include users of personal-assistive mobility devices to ensure ADA compliance. Another amendment softened a proposed prohibition language so the code discourages mid-block crossings while avoiding criminal penalties for vulnerable users. A separate amendment added that the administration produce an inventory of crosswalk striping and beacon status, including whether beacons are halogen or LED, which beacons need repair, and the estimated costs for needed work.

Public commenters and family members of a bicyclist killed in July urged quick implementation of signalized crossings (HAWK/phased pedestrian beacons), re-striping, and better education for motorists. Melinda Montoya, whose family advocated for the update, told the council, "This is an important foundational change that will elevate our code to other peer cities, creating safer streets."

Councilors emphasized implementation tasks: DMD staff say the city has an existing prioritized list of crossings from the city's Bikeways Plan (including an estimate of 257 crossings that need improvements) and that funding and contractor availability limit the pace of construction. Councilors pressed that the administration focus resources on installing planned HAWK signals and repairing high-priority crossings while carrying out the requested inventory and education effort.

The council recorded the final vote for the ordinance as unanimous. The resolution also dedicates automated speed-enforcement revenue to Vision Zero traffic-safety initiatives and directs that education materials be provided to APD, ACS, the Motor Vehicle Division and Albuquerque Public Schools.

What happens next: the administration will produce the inventory and the education campaign materials, begin monthly reporting for the first 180 days beginning January 2026 and then quarterly reporting afterward, and proceed with planned signal and crossing projects as funding and staffing permit.