Let’s link bike trails on the city’s south side

Money left over from the 2008 parks bond? It’s always a thrill when there’s a surprise at the end of a bond cycle, in this case $279,000 remaining that can spent on outstanding projects. The question is, where best to use those dollars.

The city is considering two options. One would connect the 25-mile La Tierra Trail system on the northwest side of town to the Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park, also on the north side, as well as add restrooms, shade structures, picnic tables and drinking fountains at the trailhead. The second would build a 0.4-mile connector segment on the Tierra Contenta Trail on the far southwest side of town, linking a neighborhood to South Meadows Road and then to Camino Entrada, the Santa Fe Place mall and so on.

The City Council decides this week, and we think — for all that we encourage discussions of equity — councilors have an additional basis on which to decide. The Tierra Contenta Trail work is shovel-ready; that means it can be started and completed within a year. Do the project that is ready first. That such a project would involve spending money to the south side of town, where residents too often feel they get the short end of services, is a plus.

That does not mean we don’t like the notion of connecting La Tierra Trails to the dog park. And it’s the recommendation of the city Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee, which should not be taken lightly. The money was allocated for the northwest quadrant in the 2008 bonds cycle as well, so keeping it in that part of town is logical.

However, as long as bond money is spent for its original purpose — in this case, trails, parks or open spaces — the dollars should be used where they will do the most good the soonest.

We recognize the importance of Santa Fe’s bike trails. Advocates who want the money spent on the north side of town call the trails an “economic driver.”

We agree. However, creating a trail that will allow students to ride their bikes or walk to school, or help people use two wheels to commute to work, seems a different kind of economic driver — it means people can more easily make a living and kids can become healthier through exercise. These trails are necessary, too.

Plus, one of Mayor Alan Webber’s biggest promises in the recent election was to spend dollars on the south side. By choosing the shovel-ready project, the city will show that it plans to improve all parts of Santa Fe.

As the final decision-maker, the City Council should pick the project that will link working people and their kids to jobs and schools.