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What: Public hearing and environmental assessment meeting for the I-40 bicycle trail and Rio Grande crossing project.
When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Los Duranes Community Center, 2920 Leopoldo Road N.W.
Contact: City Department of Municipal Development, 768-3832
Bicyclists might soon find they have a another way to cross the Rio Grande.
The city, in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, is proposing to build a new bridge across the river just north of I-40, connecting existing bike paths on the east and west sides.
The plan calls for extending the West Side bike path near Coors Boulevard and Miami Road, crossing the river and connecting to the Paseo del Bosque Recreation Trail on the east side of the Rio Grande.
Ben Savoca, president of Bike ABQ, a nonprofit organization that promotes bicycle transportation and safety, hailed the plan.
"I think anyone who drives in this town understands how important river crossings are and what a choke point they can be for automobile traffic," Savoca said. "Having an additional way to get across the river by bicycle increases the attractiveness of transportation by bicycle.
"There are members of my board who would disagree with me, but I see the West Side as a severely under-serviced bicycle area," he added.
A public hearing Tuesday will give area residents and bicyclists an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed bridge and bike path connections.
Savoca said his speaking up at these types of meetings can bring other options to light.
"Anytime the word bike is heard in a city meeting, it's a good thing," Savoca said. "I think that we can make a difference, especially if no other bicycle facilities have been considered at all."
Tom Decaro, owner of Albuquerque Bicycle Center, which has a West Side shop near the proposed bridge, said trying to increase safety for bicyclists is the bigger issue.
"Every bike path helps," Decaro said. "When bicyclists are riding on the main roads, drivers aren't the most courteous people in the world sometimes. When a bicyclist gets hurt, that's not good for anyone."
An environmental assessment has been prepared on the impact of the trail on the bosque. The assessment is available for public review until Nov. 9.
Comments on the bridge will be heard at the meeting or can be e-mailed to taschek@aol.com.
