2025 City Council Candidates Questionnaire

Bike Santa Fe distributed a questionnaire to the city council candidates focused on multimodal transportation, cyclists safety, trail connectivity and other cycling infrastructure improvements, and “safe routes to schools”. Six candidates responded, and their full answers to the questions are available below. Please note that the answers are organized first by District, and then alphabetically by last name.

To determine what District you are, please visit the City of Santa Fe Voter Districts and Precincts Map.

The following candidates responded to the questionnaire, as of October 6, 2025:

Pat Feghali, District 1 Candidate
David Montoya, District 1 Candidate
Elizabeth (Liz) Barrett, District 2 Candidate
Aurora Martinez, District 2 Candidate
Leroy Trujillo, District 2 Candidate
Amanda Chavez, District 4 Candidate

1. Multimodal transportation. How much have you experienced Santa Fe’s roads outside a motor vehicle: walking, biking, or taking transit? What specific policies would you pursue to ensure all our residents can reliably access essential services like schools, work, healthcare, and grocery stores without driving?

District 1 Candidates

Pat Feghali, District 1 Candidate: I am a frequent cyclist and pedestrian in Santa Fe, and a member of Bike Santa Fe. We need more (any) protected bike lanes, and more connections between our off road trails. We need to mark our crosswalks and have sidewalks you can actually walk on. We need crossing guards near our schools, especially for the kids who need to cross major roads like St. Mike's and Cerrillos. We also need to ensure that our buses run frequently and reliably. (Recently I, a fully grown adult, was walking near the plaza and was almost run over by a pickup truck as tall as me that rolled through a stop sign at a four way stop without looking. I was already halfway across the street and had just reached his lane as he decided he didn't need to stop at the sign or look around. Fortunately I threw up my hands and yelled and he stopped and even apologized, but it was still a very close call that absolutely should not have happened.)

David Montoya, District 1 Candidate: Because I live downtown, I generally walk everywhere I need to go. I also take transit be it the bus or rail as I am a disabled veteran and ride both for free. I think our bus system needs to free for everyone. Bus routes have declined in frequency, number and need improvement in running on schedule. I think we should have more opportunity to bike to work, the plaza and should have protected bicycle lanes as well as well lit trails. More bike racks is a must on city property and even a bike valet during special events. I would incentivize city employees who use transit, bike or walk to work.

District 2 Candidates

Elizabeth (Liz) Barrett, District 2 Candidate: I spend a lot of time outside a car walking my neighborhood and biking with my kids. Those experiences have given me a front-row view of how disconnected and unsafe some parts of our city’s transportation network can feel. Cracked sidewalks, missing crosswalks, and bike lanes that suddenly end make it hard, and sometimes dangerous, for people to get around without a car.

If we want Santa Fe to be more affordable and sustainable, we have to make it easier for people to move safely and reliably - no matter how they travel. That means repairing and expanding sidewalks, improving lighting and crosswalks, and creating connected, protected bike lanes so families actually feel safe riding. It also means making our bus system free, more frequent, and dependable enough that it becomes a real option for getting to work, school, healthcare, and grocery stores.

When people can get where they need to go safely and affordably, they’re more likely to participate in the community, hold steady jobs, and stay in Santa Fe.

Aurora Martinez, District 2 Candidate: I’ve spent a lot of time walking in Santa Fe, especially in older neighborhoods. Walking is common, but sidewalk gaps and missing curb ramps make it harder in some areas. As for biking, I’ve only walked on bike trails while my son rides. We don’t ride on the streets. I haven’t used the bus myself, though I understand it’s fare-free and connects to essential services. Coverage and timing can be limited.

I’ve noticed that not everyone on bikes or in cars follows traffic laws. The city’s current approach through Vision Zero and the 2025–2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan focuses less on individual behavior and more on how roads are built. The idea is that if streets are designed to slow cars, separate travel modes, and make crossings safer, then crashes are less likely regardless of who’s following the rules.

Protected bike lanes, better lighting, and slower speeds don’t guarantee perfect behavior, but they do reduce the risk of serious injury. Whether these changes improve safety depends on how well they’re carried out and whether they reach the places where people actually walk, ride, or roll. It’s not just about infrastructure it’s also about visibility, education, and making sure everyone feels responsible for safety, no matter how they’re getting around.

I’d support keeping a close watch on traffic statistics to see whether these efforts are working. We want roads that are safe for everyone and fair to all who share them.

Leroy Trujillo, District 2 Candidate

Invest in Public Transit: Increase the frequency and coverage of bus routes, extend operating hours, and explore options like bus rapid transit (BRT) to make public transit a more convenient and attractive option.
Improve Pedestrian Infrastructure: Prioritize the construction and maintenance of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian-friendly street designs. Ensure safe routes to schools and other essential services.
Expand and Enhance Bike Infrastructure: Create a network of protected bike lanes, shared-use paths, and bike parking facilities. Implement bike-sharing programs to provide affordable and accessible transportation options.
Mixed-Use Zoning: Encourage mixed-use development that integrates residential, commercial, and institutional uses. This reduces the need for long-distance travel and promotes walking and biking.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Focus development around transit hubs, creating walkable, mixed-use communities that reduce reliance on cars.
Affordable Housing Near Transit: Ensure that affordable housing options are available near transit lines, allowing low-income residents to access jobs and services without the burden of car ownership.
Complete Streets Policies: Design streets to accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers. This includes features like wider sidewalks, bike lanes, and dedicated bus lanes.
Parking Management: Implement strategies to manage parking demand, such as reducing parking minimums, implementing parking pricing, and encouraging shared parking arrangements.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM): Implement programs to encourage people to choose alternatives to driving alone, such as carpooling, telecommuting, and flexible work schedules.
Community Engagement: Involve residents in the planning and decision-making process to ensure that transportation policies meet their needs and preferences

District 4 Candidates

Amanda Chavez, District 4 Candidate

I have spent a great deal of time walking across Santa Fe—particularly in areas where sidewalks are incomplete or bike lanes abruptly end—and I’ve seen firsthand both the progress we’ve made and the challenges we still face. According to the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization, trail counters have recorded over 5.6 million uses since 2013, and trail usage in 2024 remained 24% higher than pre-pandemic levels, showing that more residents are choosing to walk and bike. Yet, our infrastructure hasn’t kept up with that growth. I believe that reliable multimodal access must be viewed as a fundamental public service, not a luxury. As a councilor, I will support policies that close sidewalk gaps, expand protected bike infrastructure, improve lighting and crossings, and strengthen our transit network so that every resident—regardless of neighborhood or income—can safely and conveniently reach essential destinations without needing a car. I will also prioritize equitable investment by ensuring the city’s Complete Streets and ADA compliance standards are applied consistently in underserved areas that have been historically overlooked.

2. Cyclist safety. Traffic deaths and injuries are on the rise, both nationally and in New Mexico. Most recently, Santa Fe resident Steven Ballinger was tragically killed while biking in Santa Fe, highlighting serious safety issues on our streets. A week later, the Santa Fe City Council unanimously approved a resolution establishing Santa Fe as a Vision Zero city. The measure directs the city manager to take steps toward pursuing the goal of zero avoidable traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040.

What specific policies would you implement to prevent similar tragedies and protect cyclists in our city and how would you ensure laws be applied to car drivers when collisions occur with bikers or walkers?
Additionally, what do you consider the most dangerous road or intersection in Santa Fe for cyclists and pedestrians, and what would you do to improve it?

District 1 Candidates

Pat Feghali, District 1 Candidate: We need to actually enforce traffic laws, like speeding and running red lights. We also need to work with our police and prosecutors to ensure that reckless driving is treated as a crime, which it is, instead of an accident that was no one's fault. Building out our trails and sidewalk infrastructure would also help, but we also need to do public education campaigns and try to change the culture of the city from "roads are for cars" to "cars need to act responsibly and look out for pedestrians and cyclists."

I doubt it's the most dangerous but I think that the intersection of the Rail Trail and Second Street is unnecessarily bad and I feel unsafe there. The visibility is terrible with the curve, cars go way too fast, and the trail crossing is barely marked. We need paint on the road and some kind of signage saying there's a trail crossing there. In general we need more signage at intersections. I don't ride on the roads I consider to be the most dangerous (other than to cross them), which I consider to be St. Mike's, Cerrillos, and St. Francis.

David Montoya, District 1 Candidate: I would support increased penalties for motorists that negligently or knowingly strike a pedestrian or bicyclist. Negligent homicide should be an option whenever someone is struck by a car.

I would say that Cerrillos and St. Francis along with St. Michaels and Cerrillos road are our two most dangerous intersections. Both need to have speed cameras and redlight cameras as well as increased traffic enforcement. Additionally, we need to reengineer both in order to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety.

District 2 Candidates

Elizabeth (Liz) Barrett, District 2 Candidate: Steven Ballinger’s death hit close to home. No one should lose their life just trying to get across town. Santa Fe’s commitment to Vision Zero is a step in the right direction, but we need to move from resolutions to real action, because lives are at stake.

First, we need to redesign our streets with safety in mind. That means building protected bike lanes, not just painted ones, and improving lighting, crosswalks, and traffic-calming measures in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity. We should expand Safe Routes to School programs and prioritize infrastructure projects that reduce speeding and dangerous driving.

Second, we must strengthen accountability. When a cyclist or pedestrian is hit, the response can’t be “just an accident.” I’ll work to ensure enforcement and investigations are consistent, transparent, and that reckless or negligent drivers are held responsible. Education campaigns should also help drivers understand that cyclists and pedestrians have equal rights to the road.

Finally, we have to make biking a real, safe option for everyone. That means connecting bike paths across the city, integrating them with transit, and ensuring maintenance so they’re usable year-round.

There are several dangerous spots in Santa Fe, but one that stands out is Cerrillos Road, especially near St. Michael’s Drive and through the Midtown corridor. It’s one of our city’s busiest stretches, lined with shops, bus stops, schools, and apartments, yet it’s built almost entirely for cars. Narrow sidewalks, missing crosswalks, and inconsistent bike lanes make it risky for anyone walking or biking. I’ve seen parents with strollers trying to navigate traffic there, and it’s stressful even for experienced cyclists.

To improve it, we need to reimagine Cerrillos as a complete street - one that truly serves everyone. That means adding protected bike lanes, safe and visible crosswalks with proper lighting, and traffic-calming measures like raised medians or curb extensions to slow cars down. We should also coordinate with local businesses to ensure access while making safety the top priority.

I’d push for a comprehensive safety audit of our most dangerous corridors, starting with Cerrillos, to identify immediate fixes like better signage and longer pedestrian crossing times, along with long-term redesigns that protect cyclists and walkers.

Aurora Martinez, District 2 Candidate

I support the city’s Vision Zero resolution and its goal of preventing avoidable traffic deaths. To protect cyclists and pedestrians, I would support safer street design protected bike lanes, better lighting, and slower speed limits in high-risk areas. These changes don’t eliminate human error, but they reduce the chances of serious injury when something goes wrong.

Not everyone on the road whether driving or biking follows traffic laws perfectly. Mistakes happen, and sometimes those mistakes have tragic consequences. When collisions occur, laws should be applied fairly and consistently, with thorough investigations and accountability when someone is at fault.

I strongly support public education, so everyone understands how to share the road safely. According to crash data from the University of New Mexico, driver error is the leading cause of fatal bike-car collisions in the state. Cyclist error like riding against traffic or ignoring signals also contributes to a portion of incidents. That’s why I believe safety has to be built into the system.

I would support keeping a close watch on traffic data to make sure our policies are working and reaching the communities that need them most. Protected infrastructure and better design can lower risk, but they must be implemented thoughtfully and equitably and align with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Safety Manual (HSM). Safety improvements should reflect how people actually move not just what looks good on paper.

We want roads that are safe for everyone and fair to all who share them, regardless of how they travel.

Cerrillos and Osage is one of the most dangerous intersections in town. It’s wide, fast, and hard to cross safely especially for people on foot. I’d support moving forward with the city’s planned safety upgrades there, including protected crossings, better lighting, and slower speeds.

The pedestrian and bike trail crossing on Yucca has also seen noticeable safety issues. It’s a spot where foot traffic, bikes, and vehicles all converge, and the current setup doesn’t do enough to protect vulnerable users. I’d advocate for clearer signage, better visibility, and physical design changes that slow cars and prioritize those crossing on foot or by bike.

I’d also keep an eye on Agua Fria, where narrow stretches and missing sidewalks make it risky for pedestrians and bicyclists. These aren’t just traffic issues they’re about equity. Everyone deserves safe access, no matter how they get around.

Leroy Trujillo, District 2 Candidate

Infrastructure Improvements:

Protected Bike Lanes: Construct physically separated bike lanes that provide a dedicated space for cyclists, reducing the risk of collisions with vehicles.
Bike Boxes: Install bike boxes at intersections to allow cyclists to position themselves safely in front of cars waiting at red lights, increasing visibility and preventing right-hook collisions.
Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs): Implement LPIs at intersections, giving pedestrians a head start before cars are allowed to turn, increasing their visibility and safety.
Traffic Calming Measures: Install speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and other traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity.
Improved Lighting: Upgrade street lighting to improve visibility for all road users, especially during nighttime hours.

Enforcement and Legal Measures:

Increased Enforcement of Traffic Laws: Conduct targeted enforcement campaigns to crack down on speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic violations that endanger cyclists and pedestrians.
"Vulnerable Road User" Laws: Enact laws that impose harsher penalties on drivers who injure or kill cyclists or pedestrians, recognizing their vulnerability on the road.
Presumed Liability Laws: Consider implementing presumed liability laws, which place the initial burden of proof on the driver in collisions with cyclists or pedestrians, making it easier to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Mandatory Reporting of Collisions: Require drivers involved in collisions with cyclists or pedestrians to report the incident to the police, regardless of the severity of the injury.

Education and Awareness Programs:

Share the Road Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the importance of sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians, and to promote safe driving practices.
Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety Education: Offer educational programs for cyclists and pedestrians on safe riding and walking techniques, including proper signaling, visibility, and awareness of traffic laws.
Driver Education Programs: Incorporate cyclist and pedestrian safety into driver education programs, ensuring that new drivers are aware of the risks and responsibilities involved in sharing the road.

Ensuring Law Application:

Specialized Training for Law Enforcement: Provide specialized training to law enforcement officers on how to investigate collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians, including proper evidence collection and analysis.
Independent Investigation Units: Establish independent investigation units to review serious collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians, ensuring that investigations are thorough and impartial.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and analyze data on collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians to identify trends and patterns, and to inform the development of targeted safety interventions.
Transparency and Accountability: Make collision data publicly available and hold law enforcement agencies accountable for investigating and prosecuting cases involving cyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

District 4 Candidates

Amanda Chavez, District 4 Candidate

The tragic death of Steven Ballinger underscored what BPAC and the city’s crash data have been telling us for years—our streets are not yet designed for safety. Between 2009 and 2018, pedestrian deaths increased 53% nationwide, and cyclist deaths rose 36%, with Santa Fe reflecting similar trends. I fully support the City’s Vision Zero resolution and believe the next step is moving from commitment to implementation. I will push for a data-driven safety plan that targets high-injury corridors like Cerrillos Road and St. Francis Drive, where BPAC and the Metropolitan Planning Organization have identified repeated incidents. This means building protected bike lanes, redesigning dangerous intersections, reducing speed limits, and improving signal timing to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. Enforcement must also be fair and firm—drivers who cause harm through speeding, distraction, or failure to yield must be held accountable. I will support adoption of a Vulnerable Road User ordinance that strengthens penalties for those who injure or kill pedestrians or cyclists, while ensuring that crash investigations are transparent and publicly reported.

The Cerrillos Road corridor remains one of the most dangerous areas for people walking and biking, particularly near the intersections of St. Francis Drive and St. Michael’s Drive. These high-speed, multi-lane roads create conditions where even experienced cyclists and pedestrians feel unsafe. I would prioritize funding for a Complete Streets redesign of these corridors—adding protected bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and improved lighting. Additionally, I would support pilot safety projects, like raised intersections and protected crossings, at high-crash locations identified by BPAC and the MPO. Long-term, I believe every redesign or resurfacing project in Santa Fe must be evaluated not just for vehicle throughput, but for how it improves safety for our most vulnerable users.

3. Connectivity. How would you leverage the Land Development Code rewrite to improve bicycle and trail connectivity across Santa Fe, particularly regarding parks and open space? (E.g., zoning incentives for bicycle-friendly design, development standards for bike lanes/trails, etc.

District 1 Candidates

Pat Feghali, District 1 Candidate

I will advocate for there to be safe ways to bike and walk to every park, and bike racks at every park. I would also like for there to be ways to walk and bike to every school, and usable bike racks at all of the schools. We need to advocate for sidewalks that are a reasonable width, and make sure that the usable area does not have utility poles or parking meters within the parts where people need to walk. We should prioritize trail and protected bike access to destinations where people need to go for work, school, play, and necessities (like grocery stores) and not only for recreational rides where people drive to a trail and then ride. There are some bike racks at the Cerro Gordo and St. John’s trailheads, but they are pretty minimal. If the bike infrastructure were better and more widely known we could have more people also biking to recreational activities instead of driving to their hikes.

David Montoya, District 1 Candidate

I think we need to be more specific on the mandatory inclusion of bicycle trails and lanes in any new development along with incentivizing developers who design live work mixed use developments that promote this lifestyle. We incentivize them by fast tracking inclusive designs though the permitting process.

District 2 Candidates

Elizabeth (Liz) Barrett, District 2 Candidate

The Land Development Code rewrite is a real opportunity to shape a Santa Fe that’s easier and safer to get around without a car. We should use it to make connectivity a core standard, not an afterthought.

That means requiring new developments to include bike and pedestrian connections that link directly to existing trails, parks, and open spaces, not just to nearby streets. We can also create zoning incentives for projects that prioritize bicycle-friendly design, such as secure bike parking, protected lanes, and pathways that connect neighborhoods to schools, libraries, and transit stops.

Our code should also set clear development standards for multi-use trails and require that major projects include safe crossings and lighting to ensure they’re usable for all ages and abilities. When we think about connectivity, it’s more than just recreation, these routes are critical for getting to work, school, or the grocery store safely.

Finally, we can use the rewrite to strengthen partnerships between the City, developers, and community organizations to fill in missing links in the network. A trail that ends a block too soon doesn’t serve anyone. We need a citywide plan that ensures continuity and accessibility.

Aurora Martinez, District 2 Candidate

When I worked on traffic data analysis, I saw how missing trail links and sidewalk gaps especially near parks and schools can discourage walking and biking. The Land Development Code rewrite is a chance to fix that, but we need to be realistic. Not every road in Santa Fe can support full bicycle or pedestrian infrastructure. Some are too narrow, too steep, or already built out. Some improvements may not generate the desired result, as they have different safety factors associated with them for projecting the reduction of accidents on a roadway. We need to be sure the road can accommodate the safety measures we are discussing.

Resident feedback from the Land Development Code rewrite confirms this: people want better trail and sidewalk access, especially in older neighborhoods, but they also recognize that equity and realism matter. My view that improvements should focus on where people actually walk and ride is echoed in those public comments and in outreach for the Bicycle Master Plan.

I would support clear standards for safe, direct access to parks and open space, along with incentives for developers who go beyond the minimum. The Yucca Street crossing, where bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicle traffic all meet, has seen multiple incidents and needs better visibility and design.

Connectivity should reflect how people actually move not just what looks good on paper. That means prioritizing safety improvements where they’ll have the greatest impact, based on real-world use and feasibility.

Leroy Trujillo, District 2 Candidate: Leveraging the Land Development Code rewrite to enhance bicycle and trail connectivity across Santa Fe, especially concerning parks and open spaces, involves integrating connectivity-focused provisions into zoning, development standards, and incentives. Here’s how:

3.1. Zoning Incentives for Bicycle-Friendly Design:

Density Bonuses: Offer density bonuses to developers who incorporate bicycle-friendly infrastructure into their projects, such as secure bike parking, bike-sharing stations, and connections to existing bike paths.
Reduced Parking Requirements: Reduce minimum parking requirements for developments that provide ample bicycle parking and promote cycling among residents and employees.
Expedited Permitting: Expedite the permitting process for projects that include significant bicycle infrastructure improvements, encouraging developers to prioritize these features.

3.2. Development Standards for Bike Lanes and Trails:

Mandatory Bike Lane Integration: Require new developments to include bike lanes or multi-use paths along major streets, ensuring seamless connectivity between neighborhoods and activity centers.
Trail Setbacks and Easements: Establish standards for trail setbacks and easements to protect existing trails and provide opportunities for future trail development.
Connectivity Requirements: Mandate that new developments connect to existing bike and trail networks, creating a cohesive and comprehensive system.
Design
Require new developments to provide direct trail connections to nearby parks and open Guidelines: Develop design guidelines for bike lanes and trails that prioritize safety, accessibility, and aesthetics, ensuring that these facilities are attractive and user-friendly.

3.3. Integration with Parks and Open Spaces:

Trail Connections to Parks spaces, making it easier for residents to access recreational amenities by bike or foot.
·Park Master Plans: Incorporate bicycle and trail connectivity into park master plans, ensuring that parks are designed to be accessible by bike and foot from surrounding neighborhoods.
Joint Development Agreements: Utilize joint development agreements to coordinate the development of bike and trail infrastructure between public and private entities, maximizing connectivity and efficiency.

3.4. Funding and Implementation:

Impact Fees: Impose impact fees on new developments to fund bicycle and trail infrastructure improvements, ensuring that new growth contributes to the overall connectivity of the city.
Capital Improvement Programs: Prioritize bicycle and trail projects in the city's capital improvement program, allocating sufficient resources to implement the connectivity vision.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage public-private partnerships to leverage private sector expertise and funding for bicycle and trail projects, accelerating the pace of implementation.

By integrating these provisions into the Land Development Code rewrite, Santa Fe can create a bicycle-friendly environment that promotes sustainable transportation, enhances recreational opportunities, and improves the overall quality of life for its residents.

District 4 Candidates

Amanda Chavez, District 4 Candidate

The Land Development Code rewrite presents one of our best opportunities to permanently embed connectivity and multimodal design into Santa Fe’s growth. BPAC’s 2023–2033 Strategic Plan specifically calls for integrating Complete Streets principles into the city’s land-use and zoning framework. I will champion updates that require new developments to include continuous sidewalks, bike paths, and trail connections that link to existing city networks, parks, and transit stops. I also support zoning incentives for projects that include high-quality internal bicycle infrastructure or provide open-space trail connections. Furthermore, I will advocate for a development standard requiring protected bike lanes or shared-use paths on all new arterial and collector roads, along with secure bicycle parking. Ensuring that every new neighborhood connects safely to our parks and open spaces will not only improve recreation access but also reduce car dependency and congestion citywide.

4. Infrastructure improvements. Will you support safety infrastructure like protected bike lanes, reduced speed limits, or street redesigns even if studies suggest these changes may reduce parking availability or add a few extra minutes to rush-hour commutes? What bicycle infrastructure do you want to see installed in your district in the next four years?

District 1 Candidates

Pat Feghali, District 1 Candidate: Absolutely. We need protected bike lanes and street redesigns. You don't need as much parking if not everyone has to drive, and if not everyone needs to drive there would also be fewer cars on the road. But people drive too fast and it's not safe and I am fine with reducing speed in the city overall and promoting safety. I want to see protected bike lanes and functional sidewalks, marked crosswalks, signage, and way more bike parking.

David Montoya, District 1 Candidate: I would support these infrastructure initiatives, but do not necessarily believe it is a zero sum game, especially when it comes to parking availability. As we increase access to cyclists we also need to consider creating or holding to the number of parking spots downtown especially. Over the next four years I hope to repair the Clauson bridge and create a true bicycle and pedestrian only path to down town. I would support the building of protected bicycle lanes and would increase the number of traffic cameras to enforce bicyclist safety.

District 2 Candidates

Elizabeth (Liz) Barrett, District 2 Candidate: Yes — I will absolutely support safety infrastructure like protected bike lanes, reduced speed limits, and street redesigns, even if it means losing some parking or adding a few minutes to a commute. Because no inconvenience compares to the cost of a life lost on our streets. We can always find ways to manage parking or traffic flow, but we can’t undo a tragedy.

I spend a lot of time biking and walking with my kids. I know firsthand that many of our roads simply aren’t designed for safety. We need protected bike lanes, not just painted ones, and we need traffic-calming measures like raised crosswalks, narrower lanes, and better lighting - especially near schools, parks, and neighborhood centers.

In District 2, I’d prioritize adding protected bike lanes along Cerrillos and St. Michael’s (it’s on the boarder of District 2), as well as better east-west connections linking neighborhoods to Midtown, the Rail Trail, and the Acequia Trail. I’d also push for safe routes to schools and improved crossings so families can bike or walk without fear.

These aren’t just transportation projects - they’re livability investments. When streets feel safe for everyone, people bike more, walk more, and support local businesses more. I believe we can design a Santa Fe where cars, cyclists, and pedestrians all coexist safely.

Aurora Martinez, District 2 Candidate: I support safety infrastructure like protected bike lanes and reduced speed limits when traffic studies show they’ll improve safety without creating new problems. But I can’t promise blanket support for street redesigns. From my experience in traffic monitoring, I know that any redesign must be backed by engineering analysis traffic volumes, crash data, land use, and neighborhood demographics all matter. We don’t want to solve one issue by creating another.

Santa Fe’s Street Design Guide and Transportation Impact Analysis standards agree changes must be context-sensitive and data-driven. Public feedback from the Land Development Code rewrite and Bicycle Master Plan outreach also reflects this. Residents want safer connections, especially near parks and schools, but they recognize that not every street can support full bike infrastructure.

In District 2, I would support:

A safer redesign of the Yucca Street crossing, where bikes, pedestrians, and vehicles converge and multiple incidents have occurred.
Improved trail access and signage linking the Acequia Trail, Railyard, and Southside corridors, so people can move safely between neighborhoods without needing a car.

All traffic bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles needs to converge safely. That means designing roads that reflect how people actually move, not just what looks good on paper.

Leroy Trujillo, District 2 Candidate: Yes, I will support safety infrastructure. In terms of bicycle infrastructure for my district over the next four years, I would like to see:

Protected Bike Lanes: Prioritize the installation of protected bike lanes on major corridors to create safer and more comfortable cycling routes.
Neighborhood Greenways: Develop neighborhood greenways on residential streets to provide low-stress bicycle routes that connect to parks, schools, and other community destinations.
Bike Parking Facilities: Increase the availability of secure bike parking facilities at key locations, such as transit stations, shopping centers, and public buildings.
Intersection Improvements: Implement intersection improvements, such as bike boxes and leading pedestrian intervals, to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians at busy intersections.
Trail Connections: Improve connections between existing trails and bike lanes to create a more seamless and comprehensive bicycle network.

These improvements will not only make cycling safer and more convenient but also encourage more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation.

District 4 Candidates

Amanda Chavez, District 4 Candidate: Yes. I will absolutely support safety infrastructure, even when it requires trade-offs. The data are clear: lower speeds and protected facilities save lives. Parking convenience or minor travel delays cannot outweigh the cost of preventable deaths and serious injuries. I would like to see protected bike lanes added to key corridors, particularly where the MPO’s counts show high bicycle usage but limited protection—such as along St. Michael’s Drive, Osage Avenue, and Cerrillos Road. I also want to complete missing sidewalk and trail\ connections, especially those that link lower-income neighborhoods to schools, parks, and job centers. Within the next four years, I will prioritize installing bicycle parking near transit stops, enhancing lighting along shared-use paths, and supporting the city’s efforts to expand the “low-stress” network so that people of all ages and abilities can bike safely in Santa Fe.

5. Safe Routes to School. The Safe Routes to School program encourages children to walk or bike to school. How would you expand or improve this program, and what else do you think the city should do to encourage children to use active transportation?

District 1 Candidates

Pat Feghali, District 1 Candidate: I would love to have this program at every school, and to have a "bike bus" or similar program at schools wherever possible and for as many days as possible. The city should prioritize reducing traffic around schools, and making it safer and easier for parents to do drop off and pickup without cars. We should also make it safer for kids who are old enough to ride or walk by themselves to be able to do that. This means there also needs to be safe and secure bike parking at the schools, and awareness that there will be kids on bikes and walking near the schools.

David Montoya, District 1 Candidate: I would work with schools and increase the amount of crossing guards along neighborhood routes to ensure child safety and when whether permits I’d market riding to school as part of a healthy life standard.

District 2 Candidates

Elizabeth (Liz) Barrett, District 2 Candidate: The safe routes to school program is near and dear to my heart! I was a safe routes to school bike leader for many years along with my husband. My children also participated in weekly bike trains to school. We motivated many students from Aspen community school to join the bike/walk group on a weekly basis. The school was also invested in the program and provided incentives for students to participate. Safe routes to school also invested in periodic bike celebrations on the way to school! The city could encourage this program by investing in quarterly or bi-annual bike fiestas all over the city! Biking safety and education was also a part of the program and Tim Rogers was integral in instructing these initiatives.

To expand and strengthen the program, I’d focus on infrastructure first: protected bike lanes near schools, continuous sidewalks, flashing crosswalks, and clear signage to slow traffic. The city should work hand-in-hand with schools, parents, and neighborhood associations to identify the most dangerous routes and prioritize fixes.

Encouraging active transportation also means designing neighborhoods that make walking and biking the easy choice, connecting homes, schools, and parks through safe, shaded, and well-maintained routes. When we build our city around children’s safety, everyone benefits.

Aurora Martinez, District 2 Candidate: I support the Safe Routes to School program and would back efforts to expand it through infrastructure audits, traffic studies, and better coordination with city planning. I know that encouraging walking and biking only works when routes are truly safe and that includes seasonal safety.

At Amy Biehl Community School, families participate in the “Walk and Roll” program when weather allows. That’s a realistic example of how active transportation depends on safe crossings, sidewalk maintenance, and visibility. Santa Fe’s 2023 Safe Routes Action Plan and recent pilot projects show progress, but some schools still face gaps in infrastructure and safety.

I would support:

Route audits near every public school
Safe crossings and sidewalk repairs in high-risk areas
Walking school buses and bike trains with adult support

Encouraging children to walk or bike is about safety, equity, and giving families real options.

Leroy Trujillo, District 2 Candidate

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs aim to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to school. These programs typically involve a combination of infrastructure improvements, education and encouragement initiatives, and enforcement efforts.

Here are some common strategies used in SRTS programs:

Infrastructure Improvements:

Sidewalk improvements: Repairing or installing sidewalks along school routes.
Crosswalk enhancements: Adding or improving crosswalks, including high-visibility markings and pedestrian signals.
Traffic calming measures: Implementing traffic calming measures such as speed humps, speed tables, and raised crosswalks to reduce vehicle speeds.
Bike lanes and paths: Creating bike lanes and paths to provide safe cycling routes to school.
Intersection improvements: Improving intersections with features like bike boxes, leading pedestrian intervals, and protected bike lanes.

Education and Encouragement:

Walking and biking clubs: Organizing walking and biking clubs to encourage students to walk or bike to school together.
Safety education programs: Providing safety education programs for students, parents, and school staff on topics such as pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Promotional events: Hosting promotional events such as "Walk to School Day" or "Bike to School Day" to raise awareness and encourage participation.
Parent outreach: Engaging parents through workshops, newsletters, and other communication channels to educate them about SRTS initiatives and encourage their support.

Enforcement:

Increased police presence: Increasing police presence near schools during drop-off and pick-up times to enforce traffic laws and ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Speed enforcement: Conducting speed enforcement campaigns in school zones to reduce speeding.
Traffic law education: Educating drivers about traffic laws related to pedestrian and cyclist safety in school zones.

SRTS programs can lead to numerous benefits, including increased physical activity among students, reduced traffic congestion around schools, improved air quality, and enhanced community safety.

Many SRTS programs are funded through federal, state, and local grants. Schools and communities can apply for these grants to support their SRTS initiatives.

District 4 Candidates

Amanda Chavez, District 4 Candidate: Santa Fe’s 2024–2027 Safe Routes to School Action Plan outlines a strong vision, but implementation has been slow due to funding and coordination challenges. I will work to expand the program by prioritizing infrastructure improvements around schools with the greatest safety needs—installing continuous sidewalks, flashing beacons, and raised crosswalks, and enforcing lower speed limits during school hours. I will also support community partnerships with Santa Fe Public Schools to deliver bike and pedestrian safety education, organize “Walking School Buses”, and host city-supported Walk & Roll to School Days that encourage participation and build community. Most importantly, I believe children should be able to move safely and independently around their neighborhoods. Investing in Safe Routes to School is an investment in our city’s health, climate goals, and sense of community.

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2025 City of Santa Fe Mayoral Forum

2025 City Council Candidates Questionnaire