BPAC asks city to add bike signage, markings and rail‑trail crosswalk improvements at Zia station development

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee voted on April 9 to forward technical signage and striping recommendations for the Zia Station development to the city planning director, saying the development as proposed lacked adequate bicycle accommodations and rail‑trail crossing treatments.

Gary Schiffmiller, chair of the technical review subcommittee, told the committee the subcommittee found little bicycle accommodation in the current plan and recommended a set of low‑cost, high‑visibility fixes: install "Bikes may use full lane" signs on Galisteo in both directions (paired with sharrows where appropriate), add "right turn, yield to bikes" signage where right‑turn lanes conflict with bike shoulders, mark the 5‑foot shoulders on Zia with bike lane symbols, and consider green paint across the rail‑trail crossing to guide users and alert motorists.

Genevieve Morgan, who spoke as a neighborhood resident, added that green paint leading from the rail‑trail across the crosswalk would discourage people from walking along the railroad right‑of‑way and clarify the safe crossing location.

Romela (staff) and members noted that some painting and minor signage could be directed to maintenance crews, while larger or federally funded changes would trigger PROAG/ADA review and might require coordination with the railroad if the work lies within its right‑of‑way. The committee made a motion and approved sending the subcommittee recommendations to Director Lamboy for consideration.

What happens next: staff will evaluate whether proposed signs and pavement markings can be applied by maintenance crews or require capital funds; federal funding for several rail‑trail intersection improvements may also help underwrite more substantial upgrades at priority crossings.