Las Cruces considers improving bicycle and pedestrian zones

The Las Cruces City Council is considering spending millions of dollars to improve bicycle and pedestrian pathways throughout the city.

“The population of Las Cruces is growing and changing,” said Joe Fish, a representative of the Denver-based Toole Design Group. “Needs for transportation are changing throughout the city.”

According to the group, bike commuting grew by 62 percent nationwide between 2000 and 2013. In 2013, more than 65 percent of the adult population had a BMI above a healthy level.

“This is also a city with a high proportion of people of color who are often somewhat disadvantaged in the transportation system,” Fish said.

According to the group, the City of Las Cruces has 234 miles of sidewalk gaps. An additional 31 miles of sidewalk will cost $19 million.

“It needs to be safe for everyone,” said La Vonne A. Muniz, the secretary of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. “We’re mixing cars, walkers, bicyclists. I am concerned about where the bicycle paths are located.”

The next public comment for the “Active Transportation Plan” will be August 4th through September 17th, the group said. City council can officially vote on the plan in October.

To submit your public input, you can visit this website.