Experience a Protected Bicycle Lane. On Paseo de Peralta, October 9-10
This weekend the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization is hosting a pop-up protected bike lane demonstration eastbound on Paseo de Peralta from Cerrillos to Old Santa Fe Trail.
On Sunday, the event coincides with the Santa Fe Century races, so there will be lots of bicycle activity around town, especially in the Railyard, the site of the start/finish line.
Q: What is a protected bike lane?
A: Protected bike lanes have a physical/vertical separation between the bike lane and car lane. They have been installed in hundreds of cities across the US, but not yet in Santa Fe. This type of bike lane has been shown to improve safety and comfort for all road users and especially bicyclists.
Q: Why do a demonstration project?
A: A demonstration is a low-cost and low-commitment way to try this type of bike lane. Will it work here? Do people like it? We want to find out!
Five reasons we want to try protected bike lanes:
- They’re safer for everyone on the road, not just people biking.
- Studies have shown they boost economic growth.
- They increase the number of people biking, leading to healthier, more sustainable cities.
- They’re cheaper than a multi-use trail, but similar in safety.
- They support an all ages and abilities bike network.
How to experience the protected bike lane:
The protected bike lane will be installed on Paseo de Peralta from Cerrillos to Old Santa Fe Trail from 8 a.m. Saturday, October 9, through 4 p.m. Sunday, October 10. You can use the 2021 Bikeways and Trails Map to plan your route, or park nearby and bike through it. The Rail Trail is only two blocks away from the start! Then, let us know what you think! Do you want to see a permanent protected bike lane in Santa Fe?
More details: santafempo.org/special-projects/.
This project is funded by an AARP Community Challenge Grant.
Contact: Leah Yngve, MPO Transportation Planner, Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization; 505-955-6614; lxyngve@santafenm.gov