BPAC creates Vulnerable Road User Task Force to analyze crashes, charging and outcomes

BPAC members voted to name and formalize a Vulnerable Road User Task Force tasked with examining crash investigations, charging and judicial outcomes for incidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists.

A presenter outlined an initial roster that includes BPAC members and community stakeholders, described a one-year anticipated commitment and said the group plans to assemble data from the City of Santa Fe, county, NMDOT and other sources to compare charge rates, case outcomes and investigative practices. The task force will conduct a literature review, analyze police and court records where available, and gather community stories to supplement quantitative analysis.

The presenter emphasized transparency: the group intends to publish data sources, methods, sample crash reports and recommendations. Committee members discussed membership limits set by the existing resolution (three members at large) and sought legal clarification on ad hoc committee rules; staff said the resolution caps members at large and explained public-notice and quorum constraints. The presenter noted she will take maternity leave and BPAC discussed interim leadership and recruitment so the work continues.

BPAC approved the name “Vulnerable Road User Task Force” by voice vote; members asked staff to clarify membership rules with legal services and to coordinate how outside partners will provide input. The group signaled an intention to report findings publicly and to coordinate with the mayor’s office and other stakeholders depending on results.