The city will host virtual and in-person meetings beginning Aug. 18 as it develops strategies to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces is asking residents, commuters, businesses and community organizations to help identify roadway hazards and shape strategies intended to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.

The city is developing a Transportation Safety Action Plan focused on people who walk, bike, use mobility devices, drive or ride public transit. Public feedback will be reviewed alongside crash data, roadway conditions and other technical information as the city identifies priorities and develops recommendations.

The plan is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

“This plan is the basic building block in helping improve overall roadway safety for all users,” the city said in a news release.

Bikeway and trail networks included

As part of the planning process, Las Cruces will update its proposed bikeway and trail networks.

The city said people riding bicycles face a greater risk of severe injury in traffic crashes and that enhanced bikeway networks can improve safety and connectivity throughout the transportation system.

Residents will be able to provide input through public meetings, pop-up events and online feedback.

Upcoming public meetings

A virtual community meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, through Zoom. Registration is available through the city’s Transportation Safety Action Plan webpage.

An in-person community open house is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley Ave.

Pop-up events

Additional outreach events are scheduled at the following locations:

• Corbett Center Student Union Aggie Lounge at New Mexico State University, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
• Las Cruces City Hall lobby, 700 N. Main St., from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
• Thomas Branigan Memorial Library Kiva, 200 E. Picacho Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 26.
• Doña Ana County Government Center lobby, 845 N. Motel Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26.
• Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market in downtown Las Cruces, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
• National Night Out at the Plaza de Las Cruces, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.

People who live, work, study or travel in Las Cruces are encouraged to participate. More information and online feedback opportunities are available at LasCruces.gov/TSAP.