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Santa Fe committee debates e‑bike data, signage and enforcement as trail use grows
Summary
BPAC members and public commenters debated e‑bike speeds, enforcement and signage on June 11 after MPO data showed rising e‑bike use; the committee directed a subcommittee to refine dual signage (pedestrian worded signs and symbol signs for cyclists) and pursue funding.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on June 11 heard residents and MPO staff wrestle with how to balance growing e‑bike use and trail safety in Santa Fe.
The committee's newest MPO member, Carrie Tremblatt, presented local and national indicators showing an uptick in e‑bike usage and cautioned that commonly used sources have limitations. "Of Strava users, there's about 6% using e‑bikes on their rides, and that's up from about 2% in 2021," Tremblatt said, stressing Strava's self‑selection bias and that shop owners report higher e‑bike sales shares.
Why it matters: Committee members and trail users say some riders travel at speeds that startle pedestrians and pose safety questions; staff said clearer signage and outreach may be more practical than enforceable speed limits. Kyle Spencer (District 1) told the committee the police planned more bike‑patrol presence and urged coordination with public safety to prevent injuries. "These paths of ours were not designed for high speed," Spencer said.
The subcommittee charged with promotion, education and communications presented mockups recommending messages such as "Slow to pass," "Announce your approach" and an icon indicating e‑bikes. Members debated whether signs should include speed guidance. "When we passed the ebike ordinance the language recommended by legal counsel was something like 'travel at a speed that is reasonable,'" said Judith Gabriel, the subcommittee chair, noting legal and enforcement limits.
Public commenters and members suggested two complementary approaches: a more wordy sign at trailheads aimed at pedestrians (including guidance about dogs and bells) and concise, symbol‑driven signs aimed at cyclists. Irina Osula, a resident, proposed adding a center line on wide paved segments so users intuitively keep right.
Funding and next steps: Committee members identified potential funding sources including a $100,000 mayoral set‑aside for bikeway/trail improvements and road impact fees that can be used for wayfinding and bike improvements. The committee asked the subcommittee to reconvene, refine sign designs (pedestrian and cyclist variants), and return recommendations for approval.
The committee did not adopt new enforceable speed limits; staff cautioned that speed limits without reliable measurement or enforcement tools are difficult to implement. The discussion closed with an emphasis on education, clearer signage and coordination with police for targeted enforcement where feasible.
What comes next: The subcommittee will meet again to narrow sign language and graphics and identify exact funding streams and approvals needed from city departments.
