Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission outlines priorities: helmets, crosswalks, youth involvement

Dayton Vorhees and Jos Grier presented the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission’s 2024 accomplishments and priorities to the Corrales Village governing body on Feb. 11.

Vorhees said the seven-member commission meets monthly and coordinates with other local commissions on crosswalk placement and trail planning; he urged creation of a coordination function within village administration to improve project delivery. Jos Grier highlighted outreach events including the Ride, Stride and Giddy Up festival, free helmet giveaways, and a ‘noodle pony’ rodeo used to teach children how to encounter horses, pedestrians and dogs safely. "We have given away free helmets to promote helmet use among younger kids as well as adults," Grier said.

Presenters described site-specific work: crosswalk-flag programs near schools, an Adopt-a-Pathway cleanup near the rec center, prototype bike racks produced by local artists and welders, and ongoing discussions about adding crosswalks on KIS Road (a state road). On e-bikes, the commission said opinions are mixed and any change allowing e-bikes in parts of the bosque would require review by the BOSI commission and other stakeholders.

Council members asked about trail usage and safety; presenters said the Thompson–Sagebrush connection saw increased use after paving and encouraged finishing the Gonzalez property segment to connect riders to the library. The council did not take formal action; staff and commissioners agreed to continue coordination and return with implementation details as needed.