ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On what would have been his 65th birthday, Albuquerque honored the legacy of longtime bicycle safety advocate Chuck Malagodi by renaming two prominent sites that reflect his life’s dedication to cycling and community service.
The city’s Esperanza bike hub, which Malagodi helped establish, has officially been renamed the “Chuck Malagodi Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center.” In addition, a portion of the North Diversion Channel Trail near Balloon Fiesta Park — one of Malagodi’s favorite cycling routes — now also carries his name.
Malagodi, a respected figure in the biking community, tragically lost his life on January 19 in a hit-and-run incident. The 64-year-old had spent the afternoon volunteering with Free Bikes 4 Kidz and chose to bike home despite an offer for a ride. He was struck by a white Ram 1500 truck around 4:30 p.m. near Carlisle and Kathryn, just a mile from his home. The driver fled the scene, and the incident underscored the dangers bicyclists still face in the city.
During his 25-year tenure with the Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, Malagodi spearheaded programs that educated over 10,000 youth each year in bike safety. His work included creating the community bike shop now known as Esperanza and helping launch the Safe Routes to School initiative across the state. Even after retiring in 2020, he remained active through Free Bikes 4 Kidz and as a youth minister at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
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At the dedication ceremony, Malagodi’s daughter, Angelina, reflected on her father’s enduring spirit: “He believed deeply that one person could make a difference. My hope is that we all carry on that belief — and continue building the community he envisioned.”
The memorials are part of the city’s “Stories of Us” campaign, which celebrates individuals whose impact has shaped Albuquerque’s social, cultural, and civic landscape. Mayor Tim Keller praised Malagodi as someone who embodied the spirit of service, noting, “Chuck’s life reminds us of the power one person has to transform lives.”
Albuquerque continues to grapple with bicycle safety issues. The city accounts for more than half of all bike crashes in New Mexico, despite its size relative to other cities. But progress has been made: Albuquerque earned a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists in 2020 and is investing $5 million this year in protected bike lanes.
“Chuck was a beacon of hope and connection,” said Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simon. “His legacy will live on not only in infrastructure but in the hearts of those he inspired.”
Residents can share personal stories or nominate future honorees for the Stories of Us initiative at cabq.gov/stories-of-us.
