Bicycle, Pedestrian and Equestrian Program

The Bicycle, Pedestrian and Equestrian (BPE) Coordinator strives to ensure that the New Mexico Department of Transportation  (NMDOT) and its partners provide a transportation system that safely and   effectively integrates walking, bicycling and other modes of non-motorized transportation.  The BPE Coordinator reviews state policies and practices in planning, design, construction and maintenance, assesses needs for non-motorized transportation, and   with the help of the BPE Advisory Committee, provides   NMDOT with recommendations for improvements.    The BPE Coordinator also works with local and tribal entities, federal partners, and private associations to see that non-motorized modes are integrated into the transportation system at a statewide level. 

Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Equestrian Advisory Committee

Mission Statement

The New Mexico Department of Transportation's Bicycle/Pedestrian/Equestrian Advisory Committee envisions the day when all users of the state's roads and trails will appropriately share road and trail space, enabling the bicyclist, pedestrian, and equestrian to coexist safely with motorists and each other.

History and Function

The New Mexico Transportation Commission created the BPE Advisory Committee in 1994 to advise and provide recommendations to the Secretary of the Department on issues and trends relating to non-motorized transportation. The BPE Committee is a standing committee composed of up to thirteen members appointed by the Secretary who are knowledgeable in the areas of bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian activities. The BPE has four seats representing the Department of Transportation, four local government representatives from Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) areas, and five community representatives. The BPE develops recommendations for engineering standards for the construction of bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian facilities. The BPE also provides program recommendations to encourage greater utilization of alternative, non-motorized transportation and makes educational program recommendations encouraging the safe coexistence of motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and equestrians. In addition, the BPE Advisory Committee advises the Secretary of any suggested changes to state law or public policy regarding bicycle, pedestrian or equestrian activities.

The BPE Advisory Plan

In 1994, the New Mexico Transportation Commission directed the BPE Advisory Committee to establish a statewide Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Equestrian Advisory Plan. The Plan was drafted in 1996 and revised in 2001, 2003 and 2009.  The Plan addresses the development of engineering design guidelines for the safe coexistence of motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrians; the encouragement of bicycling, walking, and riding as forms of transportation; and the development of safety, educational and enforcement programs for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians.

BPE Quarterly Meetings

In order to inform its recommendations to the NMDOT, the BPE Advisory Committee holds quarterly meetings around the state.  A schedule of upcoming quarterly meetings and minutes of past meetings are available under "Meetings."