City Administration Proposes Traffic Code Updates to Improve Roadway Safety

For the first time in more than 50 years, the City of Albuquerque is proposing a major overhaul of its traffic code to better protect everyone on our roadways. The ordinance updates are a follow-up to Mayor Keller’s press conference addressing roadway changes that needed to be made.

The ordinance brings Albuquerque’s laws in line with national best practices and significantly expand protections for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users.

“This is about saving lives,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By strengthening protections for people walking, biking, and using trails, we’re making sure Albuquerque’s streets are safer for everyone.”

The proposed legislation is consistent with the adopted Vision Zero Action Plan: Year-in-Review for 2023 and the Citywide Rank 2 Bikeway and Trail Facilities Plan (2024), and directly implements recommendations in both plans.

Key Proposed Changes Include

• Expanded definition of crosswalks – Crossings now include those designated by traffic control devices, signage, lines or markings anywhere in the roadway, as well as multi-use trail crossings. Crosswalks are expressly for all vulnerable road users, not just pedestrians.
• Stronger requirements for drivers – Drivers must STOP, not just yield, for vulnerable road users in crosswalks (marked or unmarked) and may not pass a vehicle that has already stopped for someone in a crosswalk.
• Added protections on bikeways and trails – Drivers must maintain a proper lookout and yield to users when crossing or turning across bikeways and multi-use trails.
• Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons – Newly added to the code with clear instructions for all road users. Drivers must stop for vulnerable users at these crossings.
• Due care clarified – Drivers must, in all circumstances, stop when possible for a vulnerable road user in the roadway, whether or not in a crosswalk.
• Codifies Idaho Stops law for bicyclists – Allows cyclists to treat stop signs and red traffic signals as yield or stop-as-yield situations, consistent with adopted revisions to NMSA § 66-7-345.
• Clarifies pedestrian responsibilities – Directs pedestrians to use approved crossing zones.
• Updates and new definitions – Modernizes roadway terms, adds inclusive and consistent language, and improves clarity for both drivers and vulnerable road users.
• Vision Zero program codified – Clarifies that the City’s Vision Zero program is Albuquerque’s official traffic safety program as required by NMSA § 3-18-17 for municipal use of ASE revenue.

“These changes bring us in line with best practices from around the country and reflect what we’ve learned over decades of studying roadway safety,” said Valerie Hermanson, Public Works Strategic Program Manager and Vision Zero manager in DMD.

The proposed ordinance is part of the City’s ongoing Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. It was developed by the Vision Zero team, the Traffic Engineering Division, leaders from the city’s Department of Municipal Development, and bicycle and pedestrian safety advocates.

The administration’s proposed ordinance was sent to City Council today. The bill will be up for discussion and debate through the normal city council process.

Read the proposed ordnance.