The Los Alamos County Transportation Board meeting on August 7, 2025, focused on enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility within the community. The board discussed the implementation of a Vision Zero and Safe Systems approach aimed at reducing pedestrian-related injuries and fatalities through systematic design improvements.

Key goals outlined during the meeting included safety, connectivity, equity, health, and vibrancy. A comprehensive public engagement process was conducted, featuring a survey from September 5 to October 14, which gathered significant community feedback. The survey highlighted a strong desire for improved sidewalks on busy streets, increased safe crossings, and concerns about speeding drivers.

Los Alamos County currently boasts a well-established pedestrian network, with 102 miles of sidewalks and 152 miles of trails. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding sidewalk widths, with 85% measuring less than five feet, impacting accessibility and compliance with ADA regulations. The board noted that while curb ramp compliance has improved, gaps still exist in certain areas.

Crash data from 2018 to February 2022 revealed a total of 770 crashes, with eight involving pedestrians. Despite an increase in pedestrian crashes in 2022 as traffic volumes rose post-COVID, Los Alamos County's rates remain below state and national averages, indicating the effectiveness of existing safety measures.

The board identified key areas for improvement, particularly in downtown Los Alamos, the Diamond Drive Corridor, and White Rock, where pedestrian destinations are concentrated. These areas face barriers, including crash points and non-compliant infrastructure, necessitating a holistic approach to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility.

The meeting underscored the importance of proactive measures to maintain and improve pedestrian safety as the community continues to grow and evolve.