SB 73 - Stop as Yield (Idaho Stop) Legislation

About the Bill:

SB 73—also known as the Idaho Stop legislation—would allow cyclists in New Mexico to treat:

• Stop signs as yield signs — allowing cyclists to slow down and proceed without coming to a complete stop when it’s safe.

• Red lights as stop signs — permitting cyclists to stop, then proceed through the intersection after ensuring it’s clear.

This common-sense approach has been adopted in several states and cities across the U.S., proving to be a safer, more efficient traffic rule for cyclists and drivers alike.

Why We Support SB 73:

Strong Towns ABQ and BikeABQ strongly support this bill because it’s backed by real-world data and proven safety benefits:

• Safer Intersections: Studies show that Idaho Stop laws reduce accidents at intersections, which are some of the most dangerous areas for cyclists.

• Improved Traffic Flow: Cyclists can maintain momentum and avoid lingering in intersections, leading to fewer traffic conflicts.

• Increased Compliance: Cyclists are more likely to follow traffic laws when they align with safe, practical riding behaviors.

• Encourages Cycling: Safer, more intuitive rules help promote biking as a healthy, sustainable mode of transportation.

Idaho Stop laws have already been successfully implemented in states like Idaho, Delaware, and Colorado, where they’ve led to fewer crashes and better understanding between drivers and cyclists.

Dive deeper into the data: BikeABQ’s blog post – A Case for the Idaho Stop in New Mexico

Current Status of SB 73: Advanced to the Senate Judiciary Committee

Take Action: Support SB 73!

We need your voice to help get this critical legislation passed. Contact your senators today and urge them to vote YES on SB 73.

Senate Judiciary Committee – Contact Information:

These senators will play a key role in deciding the fate of SB 73. Let them know where you stand!

Senator Joseph Cervantes – joseph.cervantes@nmlegis.gov
Senator Antonio Maestas – antonio.maestas@nmlegis.gov ✅
Senator Crystal Brantley – crystal.brantley@nmlegis.gov
Senator Katy M. Duhigg – katy.duhigg@nmlegis.gov✅
Senator Micaelita Debbie O'Malley – debbie.o'malley@nmlegis.gov
Senator Nicholas A. Paul – nicholas.paul@nmlegis.gov
Senator Mimi Stewart – mimi.stewart@nmlegis.gov
Senator Anthony L. Thornton – anthony.thornton@nmlegis.gov
Senator Peter Wirth – peter.wirth@nmlegis.gov ✅

(✅ = Confirmed YES vote)

Sample Template Email

Use and modify this template to contact your legislators and show your support for safer cycling laws in New Mexico.

Subject: Support SB 73 for Safer Cycling in New Mexico

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

I am writing to urge you to support SB 73, which would adopt the Idaho Stop for cyclists in New Mexico. This legislation is a crucial step toward improving safety and traffic flow for cyclists and drivers alike.

The Idaho Stop has been successfully implemented in other states, leading to fewer collisions and promoting mutual respect between cyclists and motorists. By allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe, this law creates safer intersections and encourages better compliance with traffic rules.

As someone who cares deeply about safer streets and more efficient transportation, I hope you will support this evidence-based policy that benefits everyone on the road.

Thank you for your consideration and for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or ZIP Code]