Albuquerque is taking decisive steps to make its roads safer for everyone—not just drivers. Following a tragic accident that claimed the life of a young cyclist, city officials have rolled out updated traffic codes and are preparing a major education campaign to ensure residents understand the new rules.
The changes stem from a growing concern about pedestrian and cyclist safety across the city. In July, 19-year-old bicyclist Kayla Vanlandingham was struck and killed by a vehicle while using a crosswalk near Carlisle Boulevard and Delamar Avenue. The heartbreaking incident reignited discussions about the city’s aging traffic regulations, many of which hadn’t been updated in over five decades.
Modernizing Albuquerque’s Traffic Code
District 7 City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn spearheaded the effort to modernize Albuquerque’s traffic laws. Her recently approved ordinance outlines how drivers must interact with pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized road users, collectively referred to as “vulnerable road users.”
“Making sure that everyone can get where they want to go safely is our top priority,” said Fiebelkorn. “This update ensures that vulnerable road users are no longer overlooked and that drivers understand their responsibility to stop and yield appropriately.”
Under the new regulations, drivers are required to stop when a pedestrian or cyclist is near or entering a crosswalk. The ordinance also clarifies what constitutes a vulnerable road user, covering a broad group that includes bicyclists, pedestrians, people using wheelchairs, and those riding scooters or skateboards.
Previously, many of Albuquerque’s traffic rules lacked specificity about how motorists should behave in these situations, creating confusion and inconsistency. Fiebelkorn’s ordinance closes those gaps, providing legal clarity while promoting safer behavior behind the wheel.
A Tragedy that Sparked Change
Vanlandingham’s death served as a painful wake-up call for city leaders and residents alike. The young cyclist was using a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a driver, raising questions about the city’s infrastructure and driver awareness.
In response, Albuquerque installed a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signal at the intersection where the accident occurred. The device allows pedestrians and cyclists to activate flashing lights that signal vehicles to stop, making crossings more visible and secure.
But Fiebelkorn emphasized that improving infrastructure alone wasn’t enough. “We can’t just put up new signals and hope for the best. Drivers need to understand the law, respect it, and change their habits. That requires education,” she said.
Launching a Citywide Education Campaign
To ensure that drivers understand the new traffic rules, the city is developing an educational outreach campaign. The initiative aims to reach residents across multiple platforms, including television, radio, public transit ads, and billboards.
According to Dan Mayfield, Public Information Officer for the Department of Municipal Development, the campaign is being designed to raise awareness about the updated traffic code. “We want to make sure that everyone knows about the new requirements,” Mayfield explained. “If you see someone trying to cross the street, you must stop—no exceptions. That’s the law now.”
The department has already begun interviewing marketing and communications firms to lead the campaign. Once finalized, the materials will be distributed widely—not only to the general public but also to driving schools and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), ensuring that both new and experienced drivers are informed.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Road Safety
Councilor Fiebelkorn has been vocal about Albuquerque’s troubling traffic safety statistics. “We have been at the top of the list for traffic deaths in the country for far too long,” she said. “That’s unacceptable. Our community can and must do better.”
The city’s Department of Municipal Development confirmed that it will begin conducting an inventory of all crosswalks in Albuquerque to ensure proper striping and visibility. In addition, the department plans to install seven more HAWK signals in key locations within the coming months to further enhance pedestrian safety.
While there’s no official start date yet for the education campaign, city officials say they will provide monthly progress reports to the City Council once it begins. These updates will help measure the campaign’s effectiveness and guide future improvements.
A Cultural Shift on Albuquerque Roads
The introduction of these reforms marks a significant shift in how Albuquerque approaches traffic safety. For years, advocacy groups and residents have urged city leaders to adopt a “Vision Zero” mindset—a global initiative aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries through better design, education, and enforcement.
With the new ordinance and awareness campaign, Albuquerque is taking a step in that direction. “This isn’t just about changing laws,” said Fiebelkorn. “It’s about changing culture—making safety the shared responsibility of everyone on the road.”
The tragic loss of Kayla Vanlandingham has left a lasting impact on the city, but officials hope her memory will inspire positive change. As Albuquerque embarks on this new chapter of road safety, the focus remains on creating a city where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike can travel with confidence and care.
