BikeABQ State Legislative Candidate Survey
In the November elections, residents of Albuquerque will have the change to vote for their state legislative representatives, and those in House Districts 10, 12, 14, 17, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 44, 60, and 68 will see a contested election. We distributed a bicycle-focused survey to the candidates in all 15 Albuquerque-based house districts facing contested elections this year. The survey included seven open-ended questions, and their responses can be found throughout this post.
Unsure of what district you live in? Use the Find My Legislator tool. Find info about how to register to vote and where to vote at the Bernalillo County Clerk's website.
BikeABQ is a 501c3 nonprofit, and hence cannot offer endorsements of candidates. We provide this candidate survey to help give voters information about where the various candidates stand on issues related to transportation, bicycling, and safe streets. The fact that one candidate may have responded to our survey where another candidate did not should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any kind.
Response Lookup Table:
House District up for election | Candidate | Jump to Survey Response |
G Andres Romero | ||
Christopher Crane | ||
Art de la Cruz | ||
Steven Tafoya | ||
Miguel Garcia | ||
Richard Zubia | ||
Cynthia Borrego | ||
Brenda Boatman | ||
Robert Mason | ||
Debra Sarinana | ||
Denis Litvinenko | ||
Cristina Parajon | ||
Eleanor Chavez | ||
Corey Zimmerman | ||
Jahnelle Garcia | ||
Abby Foster | ||
Pamelya Herndon | ||
Brenda Olson | ||
Joy Garratt | ||
Carolyn Stith | ||
Jerry Trujillo | ||
Elizabeth Torres-Velasquez | ||
Nicole Chavez | ||
Lisa Curtis | ||
Kathleen Cates | ||
Adam Prior | ||
Luke Jungmann | ||
Joshua Hernandez | ||
Charlotte Little | ||
David Adkins |
Survey Questions:
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
Candidate Survey Responses
District 10
G Andres Romero
Awaiting Survey Response
Christopher Crane
Awaiting Survey Response
District 12
Art de la Cruz
Awaiting Survey Response
Steven Tafoya
Awaiting Survey Response
District 14
Miguel Garcia
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
I have biked occasionally throughout my lifetime
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
First of all, we need to understand what the City of Albuquerque is asking of us to meet the needs of their new and enhanced bikeways.
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
Speeding fines should be tied to a criminal process and not the civil process that most New Mexico municipalities are utilizing by way of automated speeding cameras. For example, a family member has amassed over 20 automated speeding citations. He has paid none and could care less if he gets a bad credit rating for nonpayment. In a criminal process, the automated speeding cameras would entail a consequence for nonpayment tied to your drivers license renewal. After so many non-payments, your driver's license would be revoked.
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
The biking community should identify critical biking infrastructure needs in our state, and in collaboration with municipal and county governments formulate capital outlay proposals to the legislature for funding such projects.
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
Support!
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
Support!
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
Support!
Richard Zubia
Awaiting Survey Response
District 17
Cynthia Borrego
Awaiting Survey Response
Brenda Boatman
Awaiting Survey Response
District 21
Robert Mason
Awaiting Survey Response
Debra Sarinana
Awaiting Survey Response
District 25
Denis Litvinenko
Awaiting Survey Response
Cristina Parajon
Awaiting Survey Response
District 26
Eleanor Chavez
Awaiting Survey Response
Corey Zimmerman
Awaiting Survey Response
District 27
Jahnelle Garcia
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
Yes. I have a mountain bike and enjoy riding recreationally in New Mexico. A couple of times a month, I ride along the Bosque trails or in the Sandia mountains, for exercise and to enjoy the outdoors.
Bicycle safety is also personal to me. My dad used to bike to work, and he was nearly hit by a car while commuting at Coors and Montano. We have also seen serious bicycle accidents and fatalities in the Albuquerque metro area, which has made me very cautious about riding on busy streets. Because of those safety concerns, I primarily bike recreationally on trails rather than using a bicycle for transportation.
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
The state can help accelerate implementation by partnering with Albuquerque to identify the highest-priority safety projects and providing targeted funding for design, construction, and improvements to dangerous crossings and gaps in the existing network. We should also make sure state road projects coordinate with local bicycle and trail plans when those roads intersect with city routes.
If we invest taxpayer dollars in bicycle infrastructure, I want those investments focused on projects that improve safety, connect existing routes, and make it safer for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers to share our transportation system.
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
A few years ago, while driving, I witnessed a vehicle hit a bicyclist. As an ER nurse, I immediately stopped to help. He had no pulse and was not breathing, so I began chest compressions. By the time EMS arrived, we had gotten his pulse and respirations back. He was transported to UNMH and, thankfully, survived.
I believe New Mexico should review its traffic penalties to ensure they appropriately reflect the seriousness of dangerous driving, particularly excessive speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, and repeat offenses. But increasing fines alone will not solve the problem. We need consistent enforcement focused on the behaviors where people are being seriously injured or killed.
The goal should not be to simply write more tickets or collect more money. The goal should be to change dangerous behavior, hold reckless drivers accountable, and prevent crashes so fewer families ever have to experience what I witnessed that day.
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
When Albuquerque was selected for nearly $11.5 million in federal funding for the Rail Trail in 2022, we had an opportunity to move an important project forward. Yet years later, the grant agreement had still not been finalized.
At the state level, I would like to see NMDOT and the Transportation Project Fund prioritize projects based on safety, demonstrated need, connectivity, and economic benefit. That includes roads and bridges, but it should also include bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure where those investments can make our communities safer and improve quality of life.
I have asked people who moved to New Mexico, especially medical professionals, what brought them here, and over and over I hear about our weather, our beautiful outdoors, and the ability to bike, run, hike, and enjoy an active lifestyle. Those are assets we should protect and build upon.
This is also an economic development issue. If we want to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, businesses, young families, and other skilled professionals, quality of life matters. Safe places to bike, run, walk, and enjoy the outdoors can be part of making New Mexico a place where people want to build their careers and raise their families.
When we can make our roads safer, protect bicyclists and pedestrians, and make New Mexico more attractive to the professionals and families we need, that is an investment in both public safety and our economic future.
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
I would support allowing local jurisdictions like Albuquerque to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement revenue when those funds are dedicated specifically to traffic safety improvements and there are strong safeguards for transparency and accountability.
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
I support reviewing and increasing penalties where current penalties are inadequate, particularly for excessive speeding, reckless driving, repeat offenses, and violations that create a significant safety risk or harm.
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
I support the goal of Target Zero and making the reduction of traffic fatalities a clear statewide priority. I would be open to codifying Target Zero provided the legislation establishes measurable safety goals and accountability while preserving reasonable flexibility for NMDOT to address the very different transportation needs of communities across New Mexico. Any legislation should recognize that New Mexico has urban, rural, and tribal communities with very different transportation needs and must continue maintaining roads and bridges, supporting commerce and mobility, and using taxpayer dollars responsibly.
Abby Foster
Awaiting Survey Response
District 28
Pamelya Herndon
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
I have a bicycle, but I do not use it as my major form of transportation. My experience with biking in New Mexico is a recognition that we must make streets and bike paths safer for bikers.
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
The state can help the city accelerate the implementation of the Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan with funding and capital outlay dollars dedicated to the implementation of the Bicycle and Trails Facilities Plan. It is important to help the city in its efforts remove physical barriers between cars and bikes to make safety a priority for biking in the city.
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
Speeding appears to be the cause of almost half of the motor vehicle and bike accidents in the city. Unfortunately, it appears that the low fines attached to speeding are not a deterrent for speeding. I would like to see a pilot project launched in Albuquerque that will raise speeding fines from $25 to $100 with all the funds for speeding being dedicated to assisting with the implementation of the new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan adopted by the Albuquerque City Council. We will have data to show whether higher fines will cause speeders to slow down. There will need to be a marketing plan about the new fee structure for speeding. In addition, I would like to see a program requiring individuals who are stopped by law enforcement for speeding to be required to attend an education class on why they should not be speeding and signing an oath that they will obey the speed limits in the city. I would like to see traffic lights in place that will force people who are traveling beyond the speed limit to slow down by turning red if speeds above the speed limit are detected. When bicyclists are in the area, I would like to see a mechanism to cause blinking lights to be activated along major bike routes that will cause drivers to be aware that bicyclist are present.
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
The state is experiencing a large growth in new dollars available for budgeting. Funds from the new money should be dedicated to improving bicycle infrastructure projects and supporting the safety of bicyclists, particularly since federal funding for bicycle infrastructure projects have been severely reduced or eliminated.
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
I support this initiative.
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
I support this initiative.
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
I support this initiative.
Brenda Olson
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
I do not. I am a disabled Veteran and it is not one of my activities. However, I share the
bicycle trails through hiking.
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
I welcome your suggestions. However, since this is a City plan, City Councilors must take the lead in identifying and soliciting state funding for projects that benefit our community. That requires strong communication and cooperation between City and State leadership. I hope to maintain a close, working relationship with all city councilors, especially my own.
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
Again, traffic control is a local government issue. You do raise a very good point, though: enforcement and penalties for many infractions in New Mexico are far too weak. I believe consistent enforcement of laws—even for nonviolent offenses—helps establish accountability and respect for the law. When people know there are consequences for breaking the rules, it can help prevent violations from escalating into more serious criminal activity. Accountability at every level can have a snowball effect: enforce the laws we have, and we can begin reducing the environment that allows more criminal behavior to take hold.
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
Federal funding is the responsibility of our federal representatives. At the state level, we should focus on what New Mexico can actually control. New Mexico’s vast outdoor spaces are one of our greatest assets, and making sure residents and visitors can safely enjoy them should be a priority. State funding should support practical needs such as bicycle lanes, adequate lighting, and safety education and training. But safety is a two-way street. Cyclists have rights on our roads—but they also have responsibilities. They must follow the rules of the road, obey traffic laws, and practice safe riding.
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
I support allowing local jurisdictions to retain the revenue generated by automated speed enforcement, provided every dollar is dedicated to legitimate traffic-safety improvements—not to expanding government or creating a revenue stream. If a community is enforcing its own traffic laws, the money collected should stay local and be invested back into safer roads, better lighting, crosswalks, signage, road design, and other measurable safety improvements.
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
Traffic laws only work when they are enforced and violations have consequences. Violations that create safety hazards or repeat offenders should have escalating consequences. However, enforcement must be safety focused.
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
Codifying another generic initiative into law is unnecessary. New Mexico does not need more regulations—we need to enforce the laws already on the books. Our priority should be practical, effective safety measures that protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, with accountability and enforcement at the forefront.
District 29
Joy Garratt
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
I do not currently bike because two of my bikes have been stolen in recent years and I have not purchased a new one yet. We specifically moved to Ventana Ranch because of the trails built into the development that provided safe routes for recreational biking. My husband biked on Central to both his Highland High School teaching job and to UNM as a grad student, so I am very familiar with issues that regularly occur. My field coordinator is a long-time bicyclist who keeps me well-informed of the need to ALWAYS include planning for bike lanes on new roads or those such as Paseo del Norte that are being widened.
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
The NM DOT must ensure that any road utilizing state funding or becoming a state road cannot have its design approved unless it includes robust bike lane planning and construction. On a very practical level, we should have a hearing at the Legislative Finance Committee and the Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommittee on these issues during theinterim.
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
First of all, law enforcement officers who issue citations must show up for hearings—otherwise cases may be dropped and fines and penalties may be dismissed far too often. Secondly, the drivers’ education materials, classes and tests need to include more information and questions on the responsibilities drivers have in relationship to bicyclists and motorcyclists and their safety. Finally, we need to audit bike lines. For example, in my district on Rainbow NW from Volcano Vista High School to Universe, there is only a bike lane on the east side of the street. Bicyclists have been hit or narrowly missed on this road that is frequently used by those in training or commuting. Raising fees for penalties is a final acceptable move.
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
Funding for bicycle infrastructure can come from state, county and city resources. Thus, in light of this questionnaire, I pledge to meet with my two county commissioners and two city councilors about this issue as well as West Side legislators to see what we can do in terms of capital outlay funding as well as the discretionary money that we all receive in various amounts.
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
I know that Senator Berghmans was working on this legislation and I totally support it as well as planning to be a House co-sponsor.
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
I support this.
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
This is a good example where some initiatives can be done in rule or code without necessarily having legislation. I support it.
Carolyn Stith
Awaiting Survey Response
District 30
Jerry Trujillo
Awaiting Survey Response
Elizabeth Torres-Velasquez
Awaiting Survey Response
District 31
Nicole Chavez
Awaiting Survey Response
Lisa Curtis
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
I do with my husband, we have been avid road cyclists. We have loved participating in most of the rides, Santa Fe Century, Day of the Tread, Acoma, etc. And just riding from our home in the far NE heights to all our surrounding towns.
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
I would have to learn what needs to be done, or what isn’t sufficient about the city plan. Always concerned that safety is built into any biking plan for the City.
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
In my district the speed cameras are keeping traffic more aligned with the posted speed limit on the major roads. I like forced time commitments like driving school to remind people how dangerous a car 3,000 lb. car is at high speed and adding education on how car v. bike accidents go for the cyclist should be in that education.
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
First, we should fight being targeted by the Feds. Second, each government entity controls its roads. State roads are inside the state’s jurisdiction and the state should be part of the overall bicycle infrastructure.
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
I wish this was possible. I’ve seen the contract with the outside entity. I struggle to understand why such an arrangement was entered into, but I do not know the facts around it. At least the data isn’t supposed to be accessible to anyone, unlike the Flock camera situation. If there is a way for the City to administer the program then of course the City should retain the proceeds and it makes sense to have the fines fix the roads.
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
Much stiffer penalties need to exist for obscured or missing license plates. Here is the problem with higher fines across the board, they punish poor people more than rich people. Assigning fines in a way that they are a deterrent for the person should be the point.
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
Laws are unable to change in the way an executive level program can. That can be good or bad. I would want the flexibility of a program to make changes and lean into what is working and change what isn’t. If it is in law - then it is very hard to change.
District 44
Kathleen Cates
Do you bike in New Mexico? Describe your experience biking for transportation and/or recreation.
I do not bike.
In December 2024, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously adopted a new Bicycle and Trail Facilities Plan, consisting of nearly 400 miles of new or enhanced bikeways. What should be done at the state level to accelerate the implementation of this plan?
I would support increased funding to connect trails and increased funding to advertise this exceptional outdoor activity nationally. This would enhance out efforts in diversifying funding streams and capitalizing on our Outdoor Experiences.
Speeding fines and other traffic penalties in New Mexico are substantially lower than those in surrounding states, while New Mexico continues to have some of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. What would you like to see changed about the enforcement and penalties for traffic violations in New Mexico?
I would support increased penalties and criminal punishment on speeding or reckless driving the harmed pedestrians and bikers.
This federal administration has restricted and reversed funding for bicycle infrastructure across the country, especially targeting communities like New Mexico and Albuquerque. What role should the state play in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects during this period of limited federal funding?
The New Mexico Legislature has a committee to address federal funding cuts. I would ask the chair for your organization as well as the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division to make a presentation to that committee and make an argument that investment would serve economic development for out State.
Revising the speed camera legislation to enable local jurisdictions, like Albuquerque, to retain 100% of automated speed enforcement (speed camera) revenue, provided it is spent on traffic safety improvements?
I like this idea.
Increasing penalties for traffic violations like missing license plates, improper parking, and speeding?
Yes I would support any legislation that increased penalties like missing license plates. We often talk about at the legislature and Staff how many cars we see without proper identification. It is concerning
Codifying the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Target Zero initiative that orients transportation projects towards the goal of zero traffic fatalities?
I would support this idea and reach out to the Cabinet Secretary to ask who is sponsoring it. If there is opportunity to add my name to the sponsor list I will do it.
Adam Prior
Awaiting Survey Response
District 60
Luke Jungmann
Awaiting Survey Response
Joshua Hernandez
Awaiting Survey Response
District 68
Charlotte Little
Awaiting Survey Response
David Adkins
Awaiting Survey Response
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