More and more Las Crucens are using bicycles to get to work, to school and to accomplish everyday tasks. With increased bicycle use, motorists and bicyclists need to understand and obey traffic rules and principles in order to safely coexist.
New Mexico State law states that bicyclists “are granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” In New Mexico bicyclists are expected to: ride on the right side of the road (not on sidewalks); obey traffic signs and signals; signal and scan before changing lanes or making turns; yield to traffic when entering roadways or other lanes; ride predictably and to be visible. Bikes are required to be equipped with a white front reflector and a red rear reflector. If riding at night a bike should be equipped with a white front light and a red rear light. Common sense requires bicyclists to wear a properly fitted helmet, ride single file, wear highly reflective clothing when riding at night, and avoid wearing dark clothing day or night.
Motorists respect a bicyclist’s right to use the roadway by: passing a safe distance (at least 3 feet); reducing your speed when passing a bicyclist especially if the roadway is narrow; reducing your speed and passing further distance from a bicyclist if you’re driving a truck or recreational vehicle with extended mirrors; using caution when making right and left turns in front of a bicyclist; and looking for bicyclists before opening car doors. Common sense requires motorists to be fully aware while driving and avoid distractions that include text messaging, talking on a cell phone, driving under the influence of alcohol and other activities that are potentially distracting.
The League of American Bicyclists offers educational courses for both bicyclists and motorists. Bicyclists’ education focuses on effective cycling techniques, emergency bike maneuvers, and topics related to bike commuting. Motorists’ education explores the relationship between bicyclists and motorists effectively sharing the road. For more information about Bike Education log onto the League of American Bicyclists website at www.bikeleague.org.
Patience and courtesy on the part of motorists and bicyclists will help everyone avoid difficult situations. Let’s safely “Share the Road Las Cruces.”
League of American Bicyclist (LAB)
League Cycling Instructor (LCI) #1294