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News - Safe Routes to School, Bill #556 Editorial by Dan Baker (2/11/2003) Senator Linda Lopez introduced the "Safe Routes to School" Bill, and held a press conference this morning outside the Rotunda... The Bike Coalition of New Mexico was there in force to show support! The bill is designed to appropriate $750,000 to be spent on improving safety for walking and biking to schools in communities throughout New Mexico.     I think its a GREAT start, and I'm sure we'll all watch with interest as this Bill progresses. Hopefully, the Bill will pass and communities will consider spending some money shoulder improvements and signage in addition to the typical intersection and crosswalk projects to make cycling to schools safer.     I would encourage interested parties to write or call in to Senator Lopez's office to express your support and encourage funds to be earmarked for shoulder widening, striping, and signage on school access roads. Another aspect we will probably be looking for your support on in the future is to include language that any licensed daycare or private school needs to be considered a school zone eligible to apply for funding and road improvements. BCNM encourages interested parties to write or call in to express your support. Letters and phonecalls are tallied up and help show support when they go to committee. Phone: (505) 986-4737 Mail: Senator Linda Lopez State Capitol Attn: Mail Room Dept. Santa Fe, NM 87503 Click any image to see a larger version... ...top of page