ABQ Times

The City has inaugurated its second Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center at Villella Park in the McKinley Neighborhood. This facility offers free services to community members, teaching them bike maintenance and safety. The center is managed by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Mayor Tim Keller expressed his enthusiasm about the new center, stating, “Riding our bikes is an important part of our community, giving us a healthy alternative for commuting, exercise, or just a great day outdoors with the family.” He added that expanding Esperanza marks a new era for bicycle safety and education in Albuquerque.

Dave Simon, Director of PRD, highlighted the center's role in fostering community resilience and self-sufficiency. He said, “Esperanza-McKinley is a pit stop for learning, connecting, and increasing transportation access and fun; it just takes getting a little bit of grease under your fingernails.”

The original Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center opened in 2013 at West Mesa. Since then, over 20,000 people have learned bike repair skills through this initiative. The "Earn-A-Bike" program has distributed more than 5,000 refurbished bicycles to residents. The new McKinley location aims to extend this successful program.

Esperanza relies on donations for its operations. Community members can donate bicycles or parts by coordinating drop-offs via phone. Unusable items are recycled.

The McKinley center occupies a building previously owned by the Boys and Girls Club of Central New Mexico (BGCCNM). The City acquired it in 2021 and began renovations in 2022 with Phase 1 costing $1,952,669. Funding came from City General Obligation bonds and state contributions from former State Rep. Christine Trujillo. Greer Stafford was the architect while Basic IDIQ served as the contractor.

Residents can visit Esperanza-McKinley during Open Bike Clinic days by appointment. More information is available at cabq.gov/esperanza.

Plans for Phase II will focus on developing the BGCCNM teen center with funds from various state officials including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and several state senators and representatives.