THE BICYCLE COALITION OF NEW MEXICO SPRING 2011 New Mexico Bicyclist 2011 New Mexico Bicycle Almanac VOL 5, NO 1 A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR BCNM COMMITTEES Inside Back in the early 1980’s, the League In March 2010, in order to provide of American Wheelmen (LAW, now the members with an opportunity to serve in 2: NM Bicycle League of American Bicyclists) came out an area of personal interest, the Bicycle Routes with a comprehensive Almanac on Coalition of New Mexico (BCNM) 3: Places to Ride Bicycling in America. The publication Board of Directors instituted a 4: NM Bicycle contained all kinds of useful information committee structure comprising the six Laws on almost everything related to riding, E’s in alignment with the League of 4: Useful Websites and I always looked forward to getting it American Bicyclists’ equity statement. 5: Event Calendar in the mail at the start of each riding Education season. The League continued 6: Organizations Wes Young - Chair. Cycling publishing the Almanac for many years 9: NM Bicycle training should be based on the principle but it got smaller and smaller and after Businesses that “cyclists fare best when they act and 2008 they stopped printing it after are treated as drivers of vehicles.” This moving the information to the web. type of cycling is based on the same As Editor of New Mexico Bicyclist, I BCNM Board sound, proven traffic principles thought that there was a need for a governing all drivers, and is the safest, bicycle almanac covering our State. I President: most efficient way for all cyclists to decided to make the Spring issue of New Diane Albert operate. by making them highly visible Mexico Bicyclist a reference for all things and their actions predictable to other road Secretary: bicycling in New Mexico. I hope you users. Tim Rogers enjoy your copy of the 2011 New Mexico Treasurer: Bicycle Almanac. I tried to get the most Encouragement Stephen Newhall accurate information I could, but if there Keith Ashmore - Chair. Encourage- Membership Chair: is something important out, let me know ment is promotion of cycling as a healthy Keith Ashmore and I will get in next year’s issue. and environmentally sound method of Members: - Chris Marsh, Editor transport and recreation. This is done via Tom Grover - promotional campaigns, incentives for Jacobo de la Serna those choosing bicycling rather than Chris Tough - another form of transport and promotion Wes Young - of cycling as a healthy activity. The - encouragement of bicycling should be BCNM Staff - inclusive of all types of cyclists. - Enforcement Bicycle Education - Tom Grover - Chair. Cyclists must Coordinator: - be given equal treatment by police and Tammy Schurr - the courts in the enforcement of traffic Webmaster: laws and in the investigation of crashes Michael Wieclaw that involve bicyclists which reach the threshold for the state or jurisdiction in Editor: Two Wheel Tuesday Ride in Mesi a - Photo by Tammy Schurr question. Cyclists must be viewed as Chris Marsh fully equal to other parties in the
NEW MEXICO BICYCLIST PAGE 1 THE BICYCLE COALITION OF NEW MEXICO SPRING 2011 determination of culpability in BICYCLE ROUTES IN Route 9 and 9A: New crashes, the economic value of Mexico’s State Bike Route 9 and injuries or death, and non-economic NEW MEXICO 9A consists of three segments in the losses that are commonly awarded State Routes middle of the state. to crash victims. With the recommendation of Northern Segment*: Follows Engineering the State Bicycle Pedestrian US 285 from Espanola to Ojo Caliente. The 9A Spur follows US Tim Rogers - Chair. Road- Equestrian Committee, the New 84 to Abiquiu. ways and multi-use trails in New Mexico Department of Middle Segment: Tesuque Mexico must conform to national transportation has designated 12 Village Road through Santa Fe to engineering guidelines in order to Bicycle Routes. Routes marked Old Lamy Trail. accommodate safe and convenient with an * are awaiting signage. Southern Segment*: Follows use by bicyclists. Roadway Route 1: New Mexico’s State NM 41 from north of Stanley shoulders and bike lanes, where Bike Route 1 consists of three through Moriarty to Estancia. needed, must provide sufficient distinct segments following the old Route 12: State Bike Route 12 clear width for cyclists without Camino Real and the Rio Grande. is a beautiful 12-mile ride with hazards introduced by incomplete Northern Segment*: Taos to wide paved shoulders through the overlays. Wayfinding, transit, and Colorado Border (US 64, NM 522) Manzano Mountains south of parking facilities also help to make Middle Segment: Belen to Tijeras on NM 337. bicycling a more viable form of Bernardo (NM 309, NM 304, US Route 14: State Bike Route 14 transportation and recreation. 60); State Bike Route 1A (NM 47) follows NM 14 from Tijeras to Equality Southern Segment: La Mesilla Sandia Park and is part of the Vacant. Equality represents the to San Miguel (NM 28) “Back Way to Santa Fe,” also equal legal status and equal Route 2: State Bike Route 2* known as the Turquoise Trail treatment of cyclists in traffic law. has been designated on NM38 east Scenic Byway. All US states must adopt fair, of Questa to Red River, Bobcat Route 15: New Mexico’s State equitable and uniform traffic laws, Pass, and the end of the paved Bike Route 15 consists of four that are “vehicle-neutral” to the shoulder at mile marker 19, a total segments on a north-south greatest extent possible. Cyclists’ of 19 miles. alignment in the eastern part of ability to access to all destinations Route 5: State Bike Route 5 New Mexico. must be protected. State and local consist of two segments following North Segment: Angel Fire to laws that discriminate against US 550. Black Lake on NM 434. cyclists, or restrict their right to Northern Segment*: On US 550 North Middle Segment: travel, or reduce their relative from the Colorado border to US Sapello to Las Vegas on NM 518. safety, must be repealed. 64. South Middle Segment*: Santa Evaluation Southern Segment: On US 550 Rosa to Fort Sumner on US 84. from Cuba to Rio Rancho. South on Under Development. South Segment: Roswell NM 528 in Rio Rancho. Evaluation of the other five E’s to Carlsbad on US 285. Route 7: New Mexico’s State (Equality, Engineering, Route 18: State Bike Route 18 Bike Route 7 consists of four Enforcement, Education and runs along US 180 between segments following the alignment Encouragement) must involve Deming and Cliff. of US 70. measurement, analysis and research Route 20: State Bike Route 20 West Segment: From I-10 using rigorous, statistically sound is a climb from Anthony up to through Las Cruces to Organ. methodologies. Anthony Gap on NM 404 and down West Middle Segment: Tula- Membership in one of these to the Texas border on NM 213. rosa to Hondo. committees requires only Route 53: State Bike Route 53 East Middle Segment: West of membership in BCNM, not on the runs 23 miles along NM 53 from Roswell to Second St. in Roswell. BCNM Board itself. Grants to the Malpais Information East Segment: Kenna to Center, is also known as the Clovis.
NEW MEXICO BICYCLIST PAGE 2 THE BICYCLE COALITION OF NEW MEXICO SPRING 2011 Ancient Way and is part of the Adventure Cycling GREAT PLACES TO RIDE Native American Heritage Trail. Route 66: State Bike Route 66 Routes IN NEW MEXICO has been designated in locations The Adventure Cycling The Enchanted Circle along the old US 66 where it is Association has been mapping out The Enchanted Circle is an 85 particularly bicycle-friendly and cross country routes in the US since mile loop that stars in Taos and goes provides a particularly pleasurable 1973. They currently have two north on US 64 to NM 522 and then local alternative to I-40 for east- routes that cross New Mexico and to Questa. From Questa it go east west traveling cyclists. State Bike have a third one planned. on NM 38 through Red River down Route 66 has been designated along Southern Tier: The ACA to Eagle Nest. It returns back to two segments. Southern Tier Route is a road route Taos on US 64. West Segment*: Stretches of old from the Pacific to the Atlantic. It This tour is a favorite with US 66 around Grants. crosses New Mexico through bicycle touring companies and East Segment: NM 33 east of Buckhorn, Silver City, Hillsboro, crosses two passes, Bobcat Pass Albuquerque to Tijeras. Hatch and Las Cruces. (9820’) and Palo Flechado Pass Great Divide: The ACA Great (9101’). The best time of year to do Divide Route is a mountain bike this ride in in the Summer. It can be route from the Canada to Mexico. It done in one or two days in either crosses New Mexico through direction. Abiquiu, Cuba, Grants, Pie Town, Silver City, Hachita and Antelope Route 547: State Bike Route Wells. 547* is a popular climb along NM Bicycle Route 66: The ACA 547, an urban road with bike lanes Bicycle Route 66 is their latest cross within Grants that quickly leads country route planned for to a beautiful, narrow rural road completion in 2015. It will follow with low traffic volume up Mt. historic US 66 from Los Angeles, Taylor. California to Chicago, Illinois. In More information on the State New Mexico, it is planned to go Bicycle Routes including a map can through Gallup, Grants, be found on the New Mexico Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Santa Rosa The Enchanted Circl Department of Transportation and Tucumcari. website at http://nmshtd.state.nm.us/ For more information on the The Gila Loop main.asp?secid=15675. ACA routes, visit their website at The Gila Loop is an 74 mile www.adventurecycling.org. loop that starts in Silver City and goes north on NM 15 to NM 35. At this intersection there is an optional trip to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It then goes on NM 35 south through the Mimbres valley to NM 152 and then to US 180 back to Silver City. The Gila Inner Loop has little traffic and great views. The best times of the year to do this ride are spring and fall to avoid the heat. There are moderate but not extreme climbs. It can be done in one or two days in either direction. Riding in the Jemez Mountains The Gila Loop
NEW MEXICO BICYCLIST PAGE 3 THE BICYCLE COALITION OF NEW MEXICO SPRING 2011 NEW MEXICO BICYCLE or himself to any vehicle upon a of at least one hundred feet, except roadway. that a bicycle shall not be equipped LAWS with, nor shall any person use upon 66-3-705. Riding on roadways and a bicycle any siren or whistle. State of New Mexico bicycle paths. C. Every bicycle shall be A. Every person operating a 66-3-701. Bicycles; effect of equipped with a brake which will bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as regulations. enable the operator to make the near to the right side of the roadway A. It is a misdemeanor for any brake wheels skid on dry, level, as practicable, exercising due care person to do any act forbidden, or clean pavement. fail to perform any act required by when passing a standing vehicle or Note that the New Mexico Sections 66-3-701 through 66-3-707 one proceeding in the same mandatory side path law was NMSA 1978. direction. repealed in 1997. Also note that B. The parent of any child and B. Persons riding bicycles upon bicycles are permitted on I-10, I-25 the guardian of any ward shall not a roadway shall not ride more than and I-40 in rural areas of New authorize or permit any such child two abreast except on paths or parts Mexico (outside Albuquerque and or ward to violate any of the of roadways set aside for the Las Cruces). provisions of the Motor Vehicle exclusive use of bicycles. C. Notwithstanding any provi- Code [66-1-1 NMSA 1978]. MAPS & TOUR BOOKS C. These regulations applicable sion of this section, no bicycle shall to bicycles shall apply whenever a be operated on any roadway in a Cycling the Great Divide: bicycle is operated upon any manner that would create a public From Canada to Mexico on highway or upon any path set aside safety hazard. America’s Premier Long Distance for the exclusive use of bicycles 66-3-706. Carrying articles. Mountain Bike Route, Michael subject to those exceptions stated No person operating a bicycle McCoy, Mountaineers Books. 222 herein. shall carry any package, bundle or pages. $16.95. 66-3-702. Traffic laws apply to article which prevents the driver New Mexico Road & persons riding bicycles. from keeping at least one hand upon Recreation Atlas, Benchmark Every person riding a bicycle the handlebar. Maps. 96 pages, $22.95. upon a roadway shall be granted all 66-3-707. Lamps and other New Mexico Atlas & of the rights and shall be subject to equipment on bicycles. Gazetteer, Delorme Publishing. 72 all of the duties applicable to the A. Every bicycle when in use at pages, $19.95. driver of a vehicle, except as to the nighttime shall be equipped with a M o u n t a i n B i k i n g special regulations within Sections lamp on the front which shall emit a Albuquerque, Nicole Blouin, 66-3-701 through 66-3-707 NMSA white light visible from a distance of Falcon Publishing. 104 pages, 1978. at least five hundred feet to the front $10.95. 66-3-703. Riding on bicycles. and with a red reflector on the rear Mountain Biking New Mexico, A. A person propelling a bicycle of a type approved by the division Sarah Bennett Alley and Bruce shall not ride other than upon or which shall be visible from all Grubbs, Falcon Publishing. 312 astride a permanent and regular seat distances from fifty feet to three pages, $16.95. hundred feet to the rear when attached thereto. Mountain Biking Northern directly in front of lawful upper B. No bicycle shall be used to New Mexico: Bob D’Antonio, beams of head lamps on a motor carry more persons at one time than Falcon Publishing. 249 pages, vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light the number for which it is designed $15.95. visible from a distance of five and equipped. The Roads of New Mexico, hundred feet to the rear may be used MAPSCO, 136 pages, $19.95. 66-3-704. Clinging to vehicles. in addition to the red reflector. Road Biking New Mexico, No person riding upon any B. No person shall operate a Nicole Blouin, Falcon Publishing. bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled bicycle unless it is equipped with a 288 pages, $14.95. or toy vehicle shall attach the same bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance
NEW MEXICO BICYCLIST PAGE 4 THE BICYCLE COALITION OF NEW MEXICO SPRING 2011 USEFUL WEBSITES MAJOR EVENTS 18 Ride of Silence: Various locations. The Ride of Silence is Bicycling Info: Pedestrian and March a free ride that asks its cyclists bicycle information center that 8-10 National Bike Summit: to ride no faster than 12 mph provides guides on bike design, Washington, DC. Website: and remain silent during the safety, education, and policy.
NEW MEXICO BICYCLIST PAGE 5 THE BICYCLE COALITION OF NEW MEXICO SPRING 2011 18 BPE Public Meeting: (20 mile), $40 (62 & 100 mile) ORGANIZATIONS Bloomfield, NM. Website: registration. Website:
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D.C., whose mission it is to create a New Mexico by promoting cycling, Mexico Department of Transpor- nationwide network of trails from providing education, and advocating tation (NMDOT) and its partners former rail lines and connecting for the rights of cyclists in our provide a transportation system that corridors to build healthier places communities. Website: safely and effectively integrates for healthier people. Website:
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Duke City Wheelmen diverse and growing number of Hobbs Foundation: The Duke City Albuquerque cyclists. Our objective Wheelmen Foundation is a is to provide a fun, safe, and Southeast New Mexico registered New Mexico non-profit inspiring atmosphere for local Cycling: Southeast New Mexico corporation, and is recognized by cyclists to get together and go for a Cycling exists to support cyclists the IRS as a tax exempt Public ride. Some members race, but most and to encourage increased, safe Charity under section 501(c)(3) of do not. Either way you’re welcome. cycling in Southeast New Mexico. the IRS code. The Duke City We have group rides flexible enough Website:
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Pajarito Plateau is the home of the Pedal Queens: Their mission is BICYCLE BUSINESSES Tuff Riders Mountain Bike Club. to encourage women to get out there The plateau is capped by a geologic on their bikes. Road or mountain, Note: Shops indicated with a ☆ formation called the Bandelier Tuff. Racer or first time cyclist - they are National Bicycle Dealer Website: want to inspire women to improve Association (NBDA) Bicycle shops
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The Kickstand Farmington Santa Fe 1145 Menaul Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87112-2434 Cottonwood Cycles Bike ‘N Sport 4370 East Main Street 524 Cordova St Northeast Cyclery (Two Locations) Farmington, NM 87402 Santa Fe, NM 87507 11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 Havens Bikes & Boards Broken Spoke 500 East Main Street 1403 2nd St. 8305 Menaul NE Farmington, NM 87401 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Albuquerque, NM 87110 BTI Performance Bicycle Gallup 1216 Mercantile Rd. 1431 Mercantile Ave NE High Mesa Bike and Gear Santa Fe, NM 87507-7263 Albuquerque, NM 87107 123 W. Coal Ave Frankie Flats Q Cycle Gallup, NM 87301 1600 Lena St. 6711 Edith Blvd NE Ste E Santa Fe, NM 87505-3891 Albuquerque, NM 87113 Las Cruces Mellow Velo Chain Driven Bike Shop REI- Albuquerque 621 Old Santa Fe Trail 1763 East University Ave 150 Mercantile Ave Santa Fe, NM 87501 Albuquerque, NM 87107 Las Cruces, NM 88001-5780 REI- Santa Fe Outdoor Adventures ☆ Sports Authority 500 Market St 98 Winrock Center 1424 Missouri Ave Santa Fe, NM 87501 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Las Cruces, NM 88001-5330 Rob and Charlie’s ☆ Sport Systems Las Vegas 1632 Saint Michaels Drive 6915 Montgomery Blvd, NE Korte’s Cycle Supply Santa Fe, NM 87505 Albuquerque, NM 87109-1409 171 Bridge St Santa Fe Mountain Sports Trek Superstore Las Vegas, NM 87701 1221 Flagman Way 5000 Menual NE Santa Fe, NM 87505 Albuquerque, NM 87100 Los Lunas Silver City Two Wheel Drive ☆ Los Lunas Bicycle 1706 Central Av. SE 4301 B Elaine Dr SE Gila Hike & Bike Albuquerque, NM 87106 Los Lunas, NM 87031 103 East College Avenue Silver City, NM 88061 Aztec Los Alamos Twin Sisters Cyclery Cottonwood Cycles Trail Bound Sports 303 North Bullard 200 S Main 771 Central Ave Silver City, NM 88061-5309 Aztec, NM 87410 Los Alamos, NM Carlsbad Taos Bike Doc Rio Rancho Gearing Up Bicycle Shop 304 West Orchard Lane High Desert Bicycles ☆ 129 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Carlsbad, NM 88220 909 36th Place SE Taos, NM 87571 Cloudcroft Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Taos Cyclery ☆ High Altitude Sports Roswell 114 Dona Luz St 310 Burro Ave Taos, NM 87571 Roswell Schwinn Cyclery Cloudcroft, NM 88317 1125 S Main St Corrales Roswell, NM 88201 Stevie’s Happy Bikes 4583 Corrales Rd Corrales, NM 87048
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INJURED IN BICYCLE vs. MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH? I am a Las Cruces lawyer/bicyclist with years of experience representing bicyclists who have been badly hurt by motorists. I have helped bicyclists recover damages for injuries, such as “Traumatic Brain Injury” (TBI) and multiple fractures. Check out my website:
N M New Mexico Touring Society
A recreational bicycle club promoting safe, enjoyable road T S and off-road cycling.
• League of American Bicyclist’s affiliated • Monthly newsletter, The Freewheel • Rides for all tastes and abilities September 18, 2011 - Los Ranchos de Albuquerque • Rides most days - Saturday, Sunday, and weekday mornings and evenings New Mexico Bicyclist • Bosque bike path rides New Mexico Bicyclist is published four times per year • slower paced rides (March, June, September, and December) by the • Mountain Bike rides Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico. Material for • Picnic rides inclusion in New Mexico Bicyclist should be received • Out-of-town rides by the 15th of the month prior to publication (February • Overnight tours 15th for March issue). Submissions may be edited for length and clarity and the decision to publish any • Annual Gila Inner loop Tour submission rests with the editor and/or the BCNM For more information board of directors. Send submissions to the editor, Chris Marsh, [email protected] (505) www.NMTS.org 891-3464. Advertising Commercial ad rates are $10 per column inch, per issue, paid in advance. Larger ads costs are: 1/4 page- $50, 1/2 page-$100 and full page-$200. Contact Chris Marsh, [email protected] (505) 891-3464 for more information.
Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico, PO Box 3326, Corrales, NM 87048 The Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving biking in New Mexico, and encouraging more people to ride. We hope you find this newsletter informative with news about legislation, road construction, and events that affect cyclists. www.BikeNM.org Copyright (c) 2011 by the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico
NEW MEXICO BICYCLIST PAGE 11 THE BICYCLE COALITION OF NEW MEXICO SPRING 2011 Become a member of BCNM Join now and get a BCNM T-shirt! (Choice of gold, kiwi, & light blue) Join online at www.BikeNM.org or mail in this form Contribution Amount: ___ $ 20.00 Individual Membership ___ $ 30.00 Family Membership ___ $ 100.00 Bronze Corporate Sponsorship ___ $ 250.00 Silver Corporate Sponsorship ___ $ 1,000.00 Gold Corporate Sponsorship
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