City traffic code updated for the first time since 1974

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

In the past 51 years, traffic in the Duke City has increased and become more complicated, but the rules haven't changed — for the most part.

That is, not until Monday night, when the city council voted in favor of a new traffic code that specifically addresses the safety of "vulnerable road users," including pedestrians and bicyclists, and clarifies out-of-date language in the previous code.

The new code was drafted by the city's traffic engineering division and the department of municipal development.

"Our streets should keep people safe, not just move cars," said Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, a primary sponsor of the ordinance. "This overhaul brings Albuquerque into the 21st century and puts people first."

Among the major changes are an updated definition of crossw