BPAC meeting roundup: motorist-accountability ad hoc, Bike Santa Fe updates and rail-trail crossing concerns
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Summary
BPAC heard a Bike Santa Fe update, confirmed an in-person meeting to scope an ad hoc motorist-accountability white paper, and discussed technical concerns about rail-trail crossings — most notably the busy Paseo De Peralta crossing — with staff asked to improve notification to the committee about city projects.
At their regular meeting, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee received community updates from Bike Santa Fe, discussed formation and scope of an ad hoc committee on motorist accountability in cyclist collisions, and reviewed several technical project concerns including the Paseo De Peralta rail-trail crossing.
Genevieve Morgan, a new Bike Santa Fe board member and co-chair of its advocacy committee, congratulated Mayor Lehi Garcia and said Bike Santa Fe wants to be involved with BPAC's proposed ad hoc work on motorist accountability. "We'd like to be involved in that process," Morgan said, and noted Bike Santa Fe's outreach on the Idaho stop law, an upcoming bike rally for the Bartleby Street crosswalk, and an annual social set for Saturday, Jan. 24 at Sky Cinema.
Amber Wang briefed members on the ad hoc committee on motorist accountability, saying the group's first in-person meeting was scheduled the next day to set a name, scope and a white-paper timeline; Wang estimated a realistic schedule could range from several months up to a year depending on data needs. Members discussed potential membership (BPAC members Schiff Miller, Cal, Spencer and Irina were listed as current participants) and encouraged Bike Santa Fe and other community organizations to join.
Technical-review members reported on active projects: the Asekia/Assekia trail extension (right-of-way and drainage questions), a proposal to move a rail-trail crossing at Rodeo Road to the east to use a median refuges, and four planned rail-trail crossings (Rodeo Road, Syringo Road, 2nd Street and Paseo De Peralta). The committee flagged the Paseo De Peralta crossing as the busiest and most concerning location for pedestrians and bicyclists, and discussed potential design alternatives including using the train-gate island as a refuge rather than a two-stage crossing.
Members asked staff for clearer advance notice when city projects affect bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; staff said they would work with Public Works and the incoming director to improve consultation and to make site plans available to the committee when designs are still in flux.
Chair Garcia closed by thanking members for their work, noting committee successes such as the strategic plan and previous advocacy efforts, and announcing the next meeting on Jan. 8, 2026.
