Is Santa Fe bicycle/pedestrian friendly?

[Gungalagungala]

Just stay off the major arteries, Cerrillos and St. Francis, and you will be fine.

[sf_gal]

Santa Fe likes to give the impression of bike & friendliness. But remember, this is a city of walls, very tall walls and very narrow, haphazard streets. You zip past the wrong driveway and you are toast as the walls are so tall you can't see the driver and they can't see you. On some streets a few inches is all that is between you and a wall on one side and careening cars on the other side. There is a pretty sophisticated trail system, that is true and great if you are not going anywhere in particular with no destination in mind. However if you are walking or riding to do your daily business... well, good luck on that!

Also, I dare you to try to cross Cerrillos or St. Francis. C'mon, I just dare you! People here LOVE to run red lights. The red light is only red after it's been red for about five seconds. Finally, this is a place with a huge drug and alcohol problem.

I walk, but I am scared every time I have to cross St. Francis and won't let my children ride their bikes on the streets at all.

[Gungalagungala]

Originally Posted by sf_gal

Santa Fe likes to give the impression of bike & friendliness. But remember, this is a city of walls, very tall walls and very narrow, haphazard streets. You zip past the wrong driveway and you are toast as the walls are so tall you can't see the driver and they can't see you. On some streets a few inches is all that is between you and a wall on one side and careening cars on the other side. There is a pretty sophisticated trail system, that is true and great if you are not going anywhere in particular with no destination in mind. However if you are walking or riding to do your daily business... well, good luck on that!

Also, I dare you to try to cross Cerrillos or St. Francis. C'mon, I just dare you! People here LOVE to run red lights. The red light is only red after it's been red for about five seconds. Finally, this is a place with a huge drug and alcohol problem.

I walk, but I am scared every time I have to cross St. Francis and won't let my children ride their bikes on the streets at all.

Although St. Francis and Cerrillos are busy, they are not any more dangerous than busy arteries in other cities. I cross these streets regularly with no problem. Stay on the bike paths, watch traffic and you are fine. Children should not be riding on busy streets in any city.

[debbie at bouontiful]

I have always just walked around Santa Fe without much though. Yes the main street into the city is busy but waling anywhere near the plaza or the artist area didn't seem much of a problem. I live on a ranch without much traffic so I think I would notice. (maybe I am having such a good time I am not looking)

[Dancingearth]

As a pedestrian the worst spot when I walk around the downtown area at lunch is Montezuma and Guadalupe. Today, even though I was in the crosswalk, I had a guy speed thru so he didn't have to wait to turn right from Montezuma onto Guadalupe and the next lady was heading at me (and two older women) so I put my hand up "STOP" and gave her a fierce look. I'm sick of feeling like they're going to run me over--they just can't wait at that intersection. They start coming before you're off the road. Pretty scary having a car come at you.

I wish an undercover cop would walk with me and give out tickets. That's a joke. Does anyone ever get a ticket here for not stopping at crosswalks? I would bet no. One of my definitions of a bike/pedestrian friendly town is where they give out tickets for violating laws meant to create safety for those who bike/walk. (Seattle!) Nope, here they give out tickets to jaywalkers and they want to raise the fines. Bike/walker friendly? I don't think so. Years ago I heard that someone received a ticket in Eldorado near the school because he stopped for a pedestrian crossing (in the crosswalk) to the school and someone rear ended him. He got a ticket.

I have crossed on my bike at Cerrillos and St. Francis and you have to be especially careful because of those yield lanes. I think regular bicyclists must just get use to the way people here drive. I have seen kids riding around town but assume they are tourists because I wouldn't take kids on roads with these drivers. It's a beautiful place to walk/bike--you just be extra careful and don't assume the drivers will follow the laws.