Comment

Comment by Springsteen on September 11, 2009 at 6:49pm

It seems odd in 2009 (how many years of obvious need?) that the CABQ would have invested so much money in creating bike paths and encouraging two-wheeled commuting but totally ignore the one place in Albuquerque with continual diversified pedestrian experience: Nob Hill. Changing both one-ways, Coal and Lead, from three lanes down to two to accommodate the non-existent bicyclist is just one absurd example of where CABQ went Green for Green sake but not for common sense. That change forces more traffic onto Central since the backup on Coal and Lead can often extend almost light to light with the reduction of lanes. Yet, Nob Hill is without any pedestrian relief. The occasional car-traffic shutdown of Central through Nob Hill is another crazy attempt to address the pedestrian issue without addressing it. That tactic throws the whole neighborhood into chaos for hours, angering many motorists and making the main drag seem abandoned. The traffic planners need to wake up and use common sense and go Green where people want it. Mind-boggling that we even need these discussions this late in the city-livability game.

Comment by Duane W Bargar on September 11, 2009 at 5:57pm

Ok, just got word, well - just got to a computer to receive the word.... The resolution before city council passed 8-0 to add to additional traffic lights. There was also a clear acknowledgement that the improvements that have already been made (bulb outs,) are being made (new street lighting,) and will be (new traffic lights) are just the begining to the improvement in pedestrian safety and friendliness in the neighborhood.
Thanks to all those who supported the resolution.

Comment by Albuquerque Commentator on December 20, 2008 at 3:48pm

Lily
If only some one ( The City since it is considered an entity ) could agree that putting signs up at every intersection where pedestrians can "legally" cross is a good idea and should be done it would be a first attempt. I have to continue to point out that even at intersections with traffic lights and blinking pedestian signs drivers continue to give walkers, strollers, and wheel chairs crossing an intersection waves of the hand with less than 5 fingers I'm not convinced it is enough.

Has anyone in the City mapped the intersections where it is legal for pedestrians to cross based on the State Law? I wonder why the roundabout at Central and Robinson Park is signed, but no where else downtown.

Comment by Lily on December 13, 2008 at 2:16pm

Nob Hill is great! Often times people stop for peds because we are so fabulous here in Albuquerque. It would be great to encourage drivers to stop for pedestrians with signs and infomercials NOT LAWS. People here are great - and most of us will do the right thing. The ones who won't - the law wont stop them anyhow! Let's encourage each other to be nice!

Comment by Jojo on December 3, 2008 at 3:25pm

The curb extensions are a great addition to the Nob Hill / Highland segment, but the crosswalks, which seem an obvious complement, were nixed by City DMD. Friend and advocate Steve painted a crosswalk during a stroll night a couple years ago, but it was quickly removed. As for complete street renovation, it may be safer and ultimately lead to more pedestrian movement if the entire street is re-designed, and the proposed Great Streets Facilities Plan covers that. Here's a new web-blog to support truly great streets (and real street life)! http://www.greatstreetabq.org This plan is before the EPC Dec. 12, and it could lead to Nob Hill's plan being implemented.

Comment by Mark on November 4, 2008 at 7:56pm

Hey breath,
I hear you, but I intend to keep the focus on this group about the need for crosswalks. I think additional lights, wider sidewalks, a trolley, etc. may be valuable ideas - but they take lots of time and money. Crosswalks take some paint.

We just want some paint. It ain't that big o' deal. ;-)
M

Comment by dog breath on November 3, 2008 at 9:38pm

oh dear god... this has been an ongoing issue for decades. Albuquerque (CENTRAL AVE) suffers the worst pedestrian fatality rate in the NATION!

NHTSA has implemented programs and thrown money at the problem, the city council condemned and bought out the blue spruce. Heinrich promised (AND NEVER DELIVERED) stop lights at the Central X Morningside and Amherst intersections, (at least we got a couple of bulb-outs.)

traffic reduction and calming measures were also promised, including that asinine trolley.

...a bizillion city planning and advocacy groups meetings. yeah what do we get? some beautification measures. Oh Joy.

the redevelopment was intended to widen sidewalks to increase pedestrian flow and reduce automotive flow. ...not bloody likely

mayor marty said we couldn't do anything to restrict the traffic flow since all parallel routes were "at capacity".


I know we're chastised for stating anything derogatory about albuquerque on the DCF page, but dear god when you see people and animals get hit in the street...repeatedly... WTF are you gonna do?

Comment by Kelly Vickers on October 30, 2008 at 7:27pm

We just moved to Nob Hill and love it! We would also prefer to not be run over as we frequent all the cool places within walking distance. This community is a great idea.

Comment by Claude Morelli on October 22, 2008 at 11:55am

It's great to see that this discussion group has gotten started. Walk Albuquerque is still alive, though we really haven't had much time to focus on Nob Hill lately. Maybe it's time to re-engage?

By the way, I hope that all of you are on a first-name basis with your City Councilor and the Mayor. The only way anything will be done to make life better for pedestrians in Nob Hill is for you all to engage them in a conversation about this topic. Remind them over an over that this issue is important and that there are people out there who care.

Comment by Albuquerque Commentator on October 20, 2008 at 5:50am

Duane, you mentioned the "traffic engineer" and their comment about "right of way" for pedestrians.

This is a good example of conflicting opinions in my experiance. Maybe there needs to be a citizen group, similar to the local water group Aqua Es Vita, that would research and then advocate for a better situation for pedestrians not only in Albuquerque but State wide.

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