About BikeABQ

The mission of BikeABQ is to increase the number of bicyclists in Albuquerque for transportation, health, and recreation. We provide education, advocate for the rights of cyclists, and work to create and preserve safe biking environments.

The current advocacy work of BikeABQ falls into three general categories: education, encouragement, and engineering/enforcement.

Education

In February 2004 BikeABQ, NM Bicycle Coalition, and Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department collaborate to train and certify 13 League Certified Instructors (LCI) in New Mexico. These instructors are licensed to teach League of American Bicyclist courses. The most popular of these courses are Bicycling 101 (Road I for adults) and Bike Rodeos (for children). Since February 2004 every one of the LCI's have taught courses, given presentations, written articles or incorporated bicycle education in their places of work.

Throughout the year and especially prior to Bike to Work Day, BikeABQ offers Bicycling 101. Bicycling 101 is a comprehensive class concerning commuter cycling. Topics covered include basic bicycle mechanics, traffic laws, and how to ride safely on the road. Participants that successfully complete Bicycling 101 receive a certificate from the League of American Bicyclists. This certificate carries weight that the recipient is a safe, competent bicyclist.

In summer 2006, BikeABQ received a grant from REI to hold Family Bicycle Seminars. In this seminar Bicycling 101 curriculum is tailored for children ages 9-13 and an accompanying adult. In cooperation with Rio Abajo Bicycle Alliance, BikeABQ is working on bringing a Family Bicycle Seminar to Valencia County.

In fall 2006, BikeABQ worked with the Institute of Public Law at UNM Law School to update driver's education curriculum to relating to sharing the road with bicycles and pedestrians.

Encouragement

BikeABQ holds four regular events per year to encourage others to get out and bike and to raise awareness in general of bicycling as a means of transportation.

May is Bike Month with BikeABQ's two largest events, the Bike Swap and Bike to Work Day. The annual Bike Swap pulls together people of all ages, interests and skill levels to buy and sell bikes, bicycling related gear. Bike to Work day is a collaborative effort between BikeABQ, City of Albuquerque and New Mexico Rail Runner. At Bike to Work day commuters are encouraged to try out alternative forms of transportation with several food stops around Albuquerque. In addition, Bike to Work Day incorporates city and county planners at the event to talk to cyclist about projects concerning bicyclists.

For the past several years, BikeABQ has experimented holding other events related to encouraging people to get out and try riding or raising awareness of bicycle advocacy. These events include Bike to School events, Film Festivals and most recently, Bike-A-Palooza.

Engineering and Enforcement

Representatives from BikeABQ participate in city and regional planning and advisory groups to ensure that construction projects take into consideration facilities (trails, lanes, signs, shoulders, etc.) for bicyclists. The Greater Albuquerque Advisory Committee (GABAC) focuses on issues related to the city. In the Walking and Bicycling Advisory Group (WABAG) under the Mid-Region Council of governments BikeABQ participates in the development of the Long Range Bicycle Plan and the 2030 Metropolitan Transportation Plan.