Homeless people on bike paths can pose a danger
I HAVE delayed writing to you about this concern as I was hopeful that the local authorities would address the issue as they have in the past. I realize that this is a complex social issue and has many socially sensitive implications. I write this with the utmost concern for our cities’ homeless individuals.
The bike paths around Albuquerque, especially the North Diversion Channel path and those traveling east/west north of Interstate, serve as a vibrant form of safe commuting and recreational cycling throughout Albuquerque. There has always been concern about homeless individuals loitering on the paths or residing under the bridges. To their credit, local authorities have taken measures to prevent individuals from living under the major bridges. Recently, it seems there has been a significant upward trend in the population of individuals loitering on the paths. This serves as a significant risk to the cyclists and the loitering individuals. I know of at least two cyclists/pedestrians who have been injured when they had to avert a collision or collided with debris — shopping carts, sleeping bags, bottles, etc. — that were encountered under bridges. Runners often avoid these locations out of safety concern. Several colleagues have commented to me that they no longer feel safe commuting to or from work because of this situation, so they drive.
This seems to be particularly problematic at the North Diversion Montgomery underpass and the path north of I-40 at the Carlisle underpass near Green Jeans. It is rare that I will bike past these two locations and there is not a group of two to eight individuals standing or sleeping across the bike path. There is always debris on the path.
This is a concern for both the cyclists and the individuals loitering. They generally place themselves and/or belongings under the bridge, and it can be difficult to see them as there is a curvature in the path at these locations and it is shaded. I remain hopeful that this can be addressed so cyclists can travel on these paths and these individuals can find acceptable, safe alternatives for congregation and shelter.