Like riding a bike?
Tips for bicyclists and autos on safely sharing the road
Whether you are on the road or hitting the trails, New Mexico has plenty of space for bike riders.
But there is also a down side to bike riding in and around the city.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is reminding citizens that as the weather warms and the number of bicyclists on the road increases, to be aware of those traveling on two wheels as part of its campaign for National Bicycle Safety during May.
The NM DOT said, by law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles; people’s choices, whether they are on two wheels or four, can affect the lives of those around them.
“As a motorist, avoiding a bicyclist seems like a no-brainer, but too many people are still paying with their lives,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval. “Unfortunately, if there is a collision between a bicyclist and a vehicle, the bicyclist is most likely to be the one killed or injured. Everyone is responsible for safety on New Mexico roads.”
In 2019, 374 bicyclists were injured in crashes in New Mexico.
Twenty-two of those crashes resulted in serious injuries, and nine were fatal.
Sandoval said drivers should remember speeding increases the chances of hitting or killing a bicyclist, and the higher the speed, the higher the risk the crash will involve a fatality.
Speeding also increases a vehicle’s stopping distance, so even if the driver sees the bicyclist, the driver may not have enough time to stop, he continued.
“We live in an age of constant distraction where life gets hectic, and people get busy, but taking a few extra steps each day when you drive or ride could save a life,” said Sandoval. “Whether people choose to drive or ride, always show mutual respect to other road users.”
Sandoval said there are simple steps everyone can take to reduce the number of bicycle injuries and deaths.