Albuquerque City Council Unanimously Passes Historic Overhaul of Traffic Code, Prioritizing Safety for All Road Users

Albuquerque, NM — (November 5, 2025) – The Albuquerque City Council voted unanimously tonight to pass O-25-98 and R-25-196, sweeping legislation updating the City's Traffic Code, sponsored by City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn This landmark legislation is the first update to the City's traffic codes in over 50 years, and modernizes outdated rules to better protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users. 

The current Traffic Code, largely unchanged since its adoption in 1974, no longer reflects Albuquerque's modern status as a city with a diverse range of transportation modes, from e-bikes and scooters to multi-use trails. The new ordinance, which builds on years of policy work and recent amendments, recognizes that the city's roadways must serve as multi-modal corridors rather than just conduits for motor vehicles. The passage marks a critical step toward achieving the city’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

"Tonight, we moved Albuquerque decisively into the 21st century of urban mobility and safety," said Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, District 7 Councilor and the sponsor of the ordinance. "Our roads have evolved dramatically over the last five decades, and our laws must, too. This unanimous vote sends a clear message: safety is paramount for everyone who uses our streets, regardless of how they travel."

Commitment to Vulnerable Road Users
The centerpiece of the Ordinance is the introduction of the term “Vulnerable Road User” (VRU) to replace the separate terms "pedestrians" and "bicyclists" throughout the code. This term highlights the inherent risk faced by those without the protection of a metal shell and focuses on the shared vulnerability of people using bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, wheelchairs, and even those working in public right-of-way. Albuquerque follows the example set by states like Oregon by enshrining this protection in the City's Code of Ordinances.

Major improvements and new rules include:

Expanded Definitions for Modern Mobility: The Ordinance officially adds definitions for key facilities and devices, including Bikeway, Multi-Use Trail, Crosswalk (including both marked and unmarked crossings), Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (HAWK Signals), and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB).

Stronger Crossing Protection: New rules clarify and strengthen the right-of-way for Vulnerable Road Users at crosswalks and intersections.

Motorists Must Stop: Drivers are now required to stop for a VRU using a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

No Passing: Vehicles are explicitly prohibited from overtaking and passing a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk or intersection to permit a VRU to cross.

Prohibited Parking Zones: Parking is now prohibited within 50 feet of a crosswalk, unless designated otherwise, to improve visibility for both drivers and vulnerable users.

Clearer Signal Rules: The Ordinance establishes clear, consistent rules for how motorists and VRUs must interact with HAWK and RRFB signals, requiring a higher level of caution and stopping for VRUs in the crosswalk when RRFBs are flashing.

Sidewalk Regulations: Persons operating E-bikes or powered micromobility devices on sidewalks must now follow the same rules as bicyclists and are prohibited from riding on sidewalks adjacent to a bike lane.

Equitable Responsibilities: The law extends the existing provisions granting operators of bicycles, e-bikes, and powered micromobility devices the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle operators when on streets and roadways, except where otherwise specified.

Mandatory Transparency and Vision Zero Funding
In a move to ensure accountability and dedicated investment in safety, the legislation makes two critical fiscal and transparency requirements:

Dedicated Funding: All revenue collected from Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras must now be used exclusively for Vision Zero Traffic Safety Initiatives. This measure locks in a sustainable funding source for safety improvements.

Vision Zero Dashboard: The City is required to maintain a publicly accessible Vision Zero Dashboard, updated quarterly. This dashboard will report, at a minimum, Vision Zero funding levels, planned, current, and completed projects, project locations, and costs, ensuring residents can track how safety funds are being invested.

The updated Traffic Code is the result of collaboration between the City Administration, City Council, advocates, and the community. The Council's Land Use, Planning, and Zoning (LUPZ) Committee unanimously recommended the Ordinance for passage following a thorough review and technical amendments to ensure clarity and consistency with state law and best regional practices.