Bike Facilities in Albuquerque
Conventional Bike Lanes
Bike lanes designate an exclusive space for bicyclists through the use of pavement markings and signage. The bike lane is located adjacent to motor vehicle travel lanes and flows in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. Bike lanes are typically on the right side of the street, between the adjacent travel lane and curb, road edge, or parking lane.
Bike Loop Detectors
Loop detectors are coils of wire set into the pavement which, after they are electromagnetically triggered, alert traffic lights to change in the direction of travel, similar to a vehicle. They also extend the allotted crossing time.
Green Paint
Green paint provides increased visibility to drivers and cyclists alike while also providing a slip resistant surface to allow cyclists better traction in inclement weather.
Bike Boxes
A bike box is a designated area at the head of a traffic lane at a signalized intersection that provides bicyclists with a visible way to get ahead of queuing traffic during the red signal phase.
Two-Stage Bike Box
How it works:
- When traffic signal is green, proceed from the westbound Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. bike lane through the intersection to the green bike box. Face your bike southbound and wait for the signal indication in front of you to turn green.
- Ride southbound across the intersection in the traffic lane, not the crosswalk.
Shared Lane Markings (SLMs) or "Sharrows"
Road markings used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. Among other benefits shared lane markings reinforce the legitimacy of bicycle traffic on the street, recommend proper bicyclist positioning, and may be configured to offer directional and way finding guidance.
Buffered Bike Lanes
Buffered bike lanes are conventional bicycle lanes paired with a designated buffer space separating the bicycle lane from the adjacent motor vehicle travel lane and/or parking lane.
HAWK Signal
The HAWK signal differs from other pedestrian signals in that it requires vehicles to stop and acts as a stop light when lit, creating a safer environment than a standard crosswalk. For detailed information on the HAWK signal and a demonstration video, click here.
Posted Signs you will see around Albuquerque
Indicate to bicyclists that they are on a designated bikeway. Make motorists aware of the bicycle route.
Silver Avenue was designated a Bicycle Boulevard by the City Council in 2009. Bicycle Boulevards are generally characterized by low speed limits, free flow travel for bikes through intersections, and signs or markings that alert motorists that bicyclists are the priority user on what is intended to be a “bike expressway.”
Flashing yellow lights are used to bring caution to drivers. See below NM State Statutes. (Links will not open with Internet Explorer)
A. Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (1) flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign; or (2) flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution.
CROSSING AT OTHER THAN CROSSWALKS 66-7-335
A. Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. B. Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. C. Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
PEDESTRIANS' RIGHT OF WAY IN CROSSWALKS 66-7-334
A. When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk. B. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. D. Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of another vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.