Frequently Asked Questions

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West Old Town FAQ's

About the Trail

  • The ABQ Rail Trail is a planned seven‑mile walking and biking loop around greater Downtown. When complete, it will connect to the Bosque Trail at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Botanic Garden. The goal is to make it easier and safer for people to walk, bike, visit businesses, and experience Albuquerque’s historic neighborhoods. Each segment is designed to reflect the character and history of the area it passes through. A short section in Sawmill opened in 2025 near the Albuquerque Museum and the Mountain Road roundabout.

  • Albuquerque deserves great public spaces! We already have strong outdoor recreation assets, great weather, and historic neighborhoods. We also have rail right‑of‑way that has gone unused for decades and has divided parts of the city. Turning this space into a separated trail improves safety and gives people another way to get around, especially Downtown where many residents do not have regular access to a car. Planned landscaping will also help reduce the urban heat island effect.

  • Cities across the country have seen major benefits from similar projects. Research shows that well‑designed trails support housing investment, new business creation, visitor activity, and job growth. Albuquerque staff visited trails in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New York City, Indianapolis, and Traverse City. In every place, communities saw significant economic activity, including thousands of new jobs and more than a billion dollars in investment. Trails work best when they are well‑designed, well‑maintained, and shaped with community input.

  • Urban trails in cities like Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Denver show that people use them for everyday trips, recreation, and community events. According to the Rails‑to‑Trails Conservancy, most users walk or bike short distances to reach parks, museums, small businesses, and transit. The Rail Trail is designed to support these same patterns in Albuquerque.

  • ADA accessibility is required for federally recognized trail design. The U.S. Access Board and ADA Standards for Accessible Design guide ramp slopes, surface materials, and crossings. The Rail Trail is being designed to meet these standards so people of all abilities can use it comfortably.

  • Public art is a proven placemaking strategy used by the High Line, Cultural Trail, and BeltLine. Art helps tell neighborhood stories and encourages visitors. Albuquerque will include cultural features and public art, including the Predock‑designed tumbleweed sculpture at Central Crossing.

  • Studies from the Urban Land Institute and APA show that trails increase foot traffic and support small business growth. The Atlanta BeltLine saw new restaurants, shops, and markets open along the trail. Albuquerque expects similar benefits as segments connect.

Safety, Security, Connectivity

  • Research from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Institute of Crime Prevention, and Rails‑to‑Trails Conservancy shows that well‑designed urban trails actually reduce crime. In many cities — including Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Mecklenburg County — crime went down after trails opened because more people were outside, lighting improved, and maintenance increased.

    Albuquerque’s own experience supports this: the Sawmill segment has had no encampments, vandalism, or loitering since it opened.

  • There are many studies that demonstrate that urban trails reduce crime and none that we have found that show the opposite. Here are some sample studies that address that issue:

  • The Rail Trail will be cared for the same way Albuquerque maintains parks and open spaces. Several City departments work together to keep public areas safe:

    • Parks & Recreation manages daily upkeep

    • Albuquerque Police Department provides law enforcement support

    • Albuquerque Community Safety responds to behavioral health and outreach needs

    • Solid Waste assists with cleanup and rapid response

    These teams coordinate maintenance, patrols, lighting, and 311 reporting. This approach matches what cities like Denver, Atlanta, and Indianapolis use to keep their trails welcoming and active.

  • The project is expected to include fencing, lighting, cameras in key locations, patrol coordination, and gates where needed. Final details will be shaped through design, City policy, funding, and feedback from neighbors.

  • The City uses a combination of regular maintenance, patrol coordination, lighting, clear sightlines, and 311 reporting to keep public spaces safe.

    Camping is not allowed in City parks or open spaces, and outreach teams respond quickly when needed. National research shows that active, well‑maintained trails discourage unwanted activity because more people are present throughout the day.

  • Camping is not allowed in City parks or open spaces. Regular maintenance, lighting, patrol coordination, and 311 reporting help ensure quick response when needed.

Caring for the Rail Trail

  • Parks & Recreation will maintain landscaping. Community groups may help with cleanups or beautification.

  • Graffiti and hazards are expected to be addressed daily. Residents can report issues through 311.

  • Maintenance is funded through the City’s annual budget. The Rail Trail is planned as a long‑term public asset.

Community Engagement

  • Yes. Meetings will be scheduled throughout the project to gather input and share updates. Sign up for the Rail Trail newsletter to receive notifications for future meetings.

  • Navigate to the Friends of the Rail Trail page to learn more about how to get involved!