Vision Zero

Vision Zero in ABQ

The Data

Data-driven decision-making is a key element of any Vision Zero effort. In order to solve traffic safety problems in our community, we need to better understand the causes. This is some of the data that we use to help guide our work:

• View ABQ Area High Fatality and Injury Network (HFIN) Map (updated December 2020) - Mid-region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MRMPO)
• View Safety Analysis and Regional Transportation Safety Action Plan (RTSAP) - MRMPO
• View NM Traffic Crash Data - New Mexico Department of Transportation & University of New Mexico

What We Are Doing

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix and lessons learned from other cities show that getting to zero requires long-term investment and commitment. Here are some steps we are already taking toward Vision Zero in our community.

Updates related to Vision Zero efforts are provided at the monthly Greater Albuquerque Active Transportation Committee (GAATC) meetings. Learn more.

• Engineering + Roadway Design

• Complete Streets improvements: Every year, the City of Albuquerque conducts routine maintenance on 15 – 25 roadways in the city. Following guidance from the Complete Streets Ordinance (O-19-64), this program is an opportunity to improve safety and increase multi-modal transportation options by identifying locations where the road can be restriped in different ways. Improvements may include: new bike lanes, new buffered bike lanes, narrower driving lanes, daylighting, or high visibility crosswalks. Learn more about 2022 Complete Streets
• 2020 Louisiana Blvd Road Safety Audit: With support from the Federal Highways Administration, the City conducted a Pedestrian Road Safety Assessment on Louisiana Boulevard south of Lomas to identify projects that will increase safety and make it easier to walk and bike in this area. Read the report
• Louisiana Blvd Vision Zero Improvements: Working toward implementation from the 2020 Road Safety Audit, this project is investigating traffic safety improvements on Louisiana Blvd from Gibson to Central. Short term actions for long term goals. Read the solutions
• Neighborhood Traffic Management Program: This program implements traffic calming tools to address speeding and cut-through traffic on local residential streets. Learn More

• Safe speeds

• Automated Speed Enforcement: In May 2022, the City of Albuquerque started the Automated Speed Enforcement Program. Safe speeds are a core principle of Albuquerque’s Vision Zero approach since we know from comprehensive data that humans are less likely to survive high-speed crashes. Read the FAQs. And Learn More
• Downtown Safety Zone: 20 mph speed limit downtown and improvements to increase walkability and bike friendliness throughout downtown. Learn More

• Policy, Regulation + Practice

• Bicycle and Trail Crossing Guide: Takes national guidance and best practices for bicycle and pedestrian crossings and adapts it to consider Albuquerque’s roadways. Helps to determine the feasibility and appropriate design for crossing treatments. The City finalized this Guide in Spring, 2022, and our planners and engineers are using it in their projects.
• Bike Boulevard Tool Kit: Utilize national best practices, lessons learned in ABQ, and develop a clear and consistent decision-making framework that can serve as a reference during the selection of routes as potential bike boulevards and for the design. This project is in development.
• Complete Streets Ordinance: In 2019, City Council adopted an update to the City’s Complete Streets Ordinance, calling for attention to both equity and safety in roadway projects. Learn More
• School Crossings: Staff conducted a school crossing study and installed HAWK and RRFB signals at school crossings based on study recommendations, and refreshed crosswalks and signage near schools. Read the Study here and view a Story Map of findings for each school here
• Vision Zero Prioritization Strategy: Includes a year in review report to determine successes, challenges, and action plan items that are difficult to implement. Includes prioritizing programs and policy efforts and prioritizing the top 10 high fatal and injury network (HFIN) corridors and intersections. This project is in development.
  • View the presentation from the first Vision Zero Advisory Group meeting.
  • View the presentation from the second Vision Zero Advisory Group meeting.
  • View the presentation from the third Vision Zero Advisory Group meeting.
• Vision Zero Safety Tool Kit: Identify national and peer city best practices for low cost high impact traffic safety strategies. This project is in development.

• Education + Encouragement

• Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Vision Zero for Youth Initiative: This effort is currently creating a student focused traffic safety campaign with traffic safety curriculum, campaign materials, and community outreach. City Vision Zero staff serve on the task force.
• Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center: Operated by the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department. They provide bicycle education, with the goal of increasing the safety, self-sufficiency, and comfort of recreational, fitness, and utility riders alike. Esperanza provides classes and programs of varied types and topics, including bicycle safety, road use and traffic law, mechanics, and riding skills. Learn more

• Walking + Rolling

• ABQ CiQlovía: A community driven event that temporarily closes streets to motor vehicle traffic and allows communities to reimagine our largest public space…streets…in a whole new way. Save the date: October 16, 2022. Learn more.
• Balloon Fiesta Bike Valet: Our community is committed to increasing awareness about traffic safety and providing opportunities for walking and biking. Learn more.
• Bike 2 Wherever Day: Formerly Bike to Work Day, this annual event is an opportunity to try out bicycling for transportation – it’s good for the environment, health, and it’s fun! This City sponsored would not be possible without volunteers, local business support, and community advocates. It event occurs annually in May and includes riding challenges, photo contests, and raffle prizes. Learn more.
• Bike Gap Study and Concept Design Projects: The bikeway evaluation process was developed in consultation with staff from public agencies and members of the Greater Albuquerque Active Transportation Committee (GAATC). Three projects from this evaluation process are currently being studied for feasibility: San Pedro bike lanes from Zuni to Claremont, Claremont Bike Blvd from Richmond to Moon, and Osuna/Bear Canyon Trail wayfinding from North Diversion Channel to Brentwood Place and from Osuna at Academy to Seagull Street.
• Bike Thru Burque: This City sponsored event encourages residents to ride bicycles for transportation and explore our beautiful communities. This event is made possible by volunteers, local business support, and community advocates. It occurs annually in October and also includes riding challenges, scavenger hunts, and raffle prizes. Learn more.  

• Data + Transparency

• A data-driven approach is used throughout Vision Zero efforts.
• The Vision Zero Prioritization Strategy identified above under Policy, Regulation+ Practice, will create a way to track projects and progress. This effort will also serve as the Year in Review of efforts.
• DMD, APD, and MRCOG have recurring fatal crash review meetings.

What You Can Do

Getting to zero requires a commitment from all of us to be careful and watch out for one another when we are on the road. Here’s how you can help:

• Take the Albuquerque Safe Streets Pledge.
• Respect all other road users - we are all going somewhere, and we all have the right to get there safely.
• Slow down - slower speeds save lives!
• Eliminate distractions - focus on the road and look for other people using the road.
• Stop at red signal lights and stop signs - make a complete stop then look for other people walking, biking, and driving before proceeding.
• Yield to people walking and biking and be extra cautious around crossings.
• Never drive when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Keep up-to-date with Vision Zero efforts by participating in the monthly Greater Albuquerque Active Transportation Committee (GAATC) meeting. Learn more.

 

Who Is Involved?