Santa Fe Installs New Mexico’s First On-Street Bicycle Corral

A partnership between the City of Santa Fe Parking Division, Economic Development Division and the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization helped to further implement the 2012 Metropolitan Bicycle Master Plan by installing a Bicycle Corral along the South Guadalupe Business District.

The Bicycle Corral is a pilot project that will be monitored over the course of a year by the Santa Fe MPO. Safety issues were the primary driver of the location and design, however the purpose of the corral falls in line with a fundamental premise that corrals and other on-street bicycle facilities promote both bicycling and an increase in the economic livelihood of business districts.

Communities that have invested in corrals “have seen considerable economic benefits by attracting businesses, tourism and active residents,” according to Advocacy Advance – a partnership of the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walking.

On the launch of Santa Fe and New Mexico’s first ever Bicycle Corral, Mayor Javier M. Gonzales said, “This is big. First, it’s a meaningful part of our ongoing commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging Santa Feans to hop on a bike before they reach for their car keys. But it also promotes an active, outdoor economy that embraces and supports small, local businesses.”

He added, “Santa Feans should know their city is committed to becoming one of the most bikeable in the country, and initiatives like this send that signal loud and clear.”

The South Guadalupe Street Bike Corral can accommodate up to twelve bicycles, leaving the sidewalks open for pedestrians and sending a positive message to tourists and locals that Santa Fe is a bicycle friendly community. The owners of The Cowgirl BBQ have been supportive and enthusiastic since discussions of the project first began last year.

The City and the MPO will also be testing green pavement markings for bicycle routes along Camino Carlos Rey from Zia to Cerrillos Road this summer. For more information about bicycle corrals and other innovative bicycle investments please visit www.santafempo.org.
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