CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY FOURTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. R-20-59 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Isaac Benton
RESOLUTION
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Directing The Administration To Create An "Active Streets Initiative" To Facilitate Safe, Socially-Distanced Outdoor Recreation And Active Transportation Opportunities On Neighborhood Streets During Health Emergencies (Benton)
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DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO CREATE AN "ACTIVE STREETS INITIATIVE" TO FACILITATE SAFE, SOCIALLY-DISTANCED OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION OPPORTUNITIES ON NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS DURING HEALTH EMERGENCIES.
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 public health emergency has created the need to socially distance in all spaces, both indoors and outdoors; and
WHEREAS, access to spaces to walk, bike, roller skate, or otherwise recreate outdoors is important to the health and well being of the residents of Albuquerque; and
WHEREAS, some of the City's parks and open spaces have been inundated with members of the community who are seeking time outside; and
WHEREAS, some of the City's sidewalk infrastructure is substandard or in poor condition and is not a viable place to recreate; and
WHEREAS, outdoor recreation is a great alternative to an indoor gym; and
WHEREAS, more access to safe outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly close to home, would provide physical and mental benefits during this unprecedented pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the Mid-Region Council of Governments has reported that street traffic is down 40%-60% in some areas of the City; and
WHEREAS, cities across the country are also pursuing Active Street initiatives, such as Austin, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, San Diego, and Portland; and
WHEREAS, now is an ideal time to reconsider how we prioritize roadway users on underutilized roadways where vehicular traffic is temporarily reduced; and
WHEREAS, the recently updated Complete Streets Ordinance (O-19-64) adopted City policy ...
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