Rights and Duties
Bicycle Friendly Community?
According to the League of American Bicyclists, the City of Las Cruces has recently been awarded a much-sought-after designation of a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community.
Despite recent set-backs, such is the de-stripping of a bike lane on north Triviz Ave., the City assures that other present and future strives will eclipse it. I know I can speak for many when I say, I HOPE SO.
As with any ‘victory’, there will be a brief back-patting session at the next City Meeting…
The City of Las Cruces has been designated a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists, bronze level status. An official presentation for the City to receive its certificate and a BRC sign will take place at the city council meeting on Monday, June 20th, 1 p.m. at City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
Making the presentation will be Tom Trowbridge, Bicycle, Pedestrian and Equestrian Coordinator, Transportation Programs Division of the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
Cities chosen for this recognition must show remarkable commitments to bicycling. Bicycle Friendly Communities welcome cyclists by providing safe accommodation for cycling and encouraging residents to bike for transportation and recreation.
The City’s bronze status is good for four years. The City has shown to encourage cycling with the hopes of improving health, reducing traffic and improving air quality. The League of American Bicyclists says Bicycle Friendly Communities are places with a high quality of life, where people want to live, work and visit. These communities can give a more connected, physically active and environmentally sustainable community that enjoys property values, business growth, increased tourism an more transportation choices.
You tell’em Council Woman Thomas!
Las Cruces Council Woman Sharon Thomas appears in front of Congress speak on behalf of Livable Communities.
Ride of Silence 2011
The Ride of Silence will be held this evening, May 18th 2011 at 6:15pm at the Mesilla Plaza.
Urgent Action Needed-Take Action!
Governor Martinez Only Has Until Friday to Sign the 5 Foot Passing Law!
Take Action!
Governor Susana Martinez
To date Governor Martinez has only signed a small portion of the 300 bills passed this legislative session, and only has until Friday to do so. Please contact her today and ask that she sign SB 124- the nation’s first 5 Foot safe passing law! If you’ve already sent an email, please follow-up with a phone call. The Governor’s office line is (505) 476-2200.
This bill clarifies to motorists what a safe passing distance is and will provide a safe operating space for cyclists across the state, provide a better tool for law enforcement when responding to aggressive drivers and crashes, as well as an opportunity to educate motorists on how to safely pass cyclists. Contact Governor Martinez today and urge her to sign SB 124 into law!
SB 124 — Email the Governor
Having passed through both the New Mexico Senate and House, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez now has twenty days to sign SB 124 in order to make this bill into law. This would be the first statewide 5 foot Safe Passing law in the nation.
SB 124 clarifies to motorists what a safe passing distance is, provides a safe operating space for cyclists across the state and creates another tool for law enforcement when responding to aggressive drivers and crashes; as well as an opportunity to educate motorists and cyclists on how to share the road safely.
Cyclists in New Mexico should contact Governor Martinez through our Advocacy Center and urge her to sign SB 124 into law.
~JEFF PEEL -STATE & LOCAL ADVOCACY COORDINATOR
The League of American Bicyclists has set up an easy way to email our Governor to sign the new bill.
Click here:
Support Safer Cycling in New Mexico- Tell Governor Martinez to Sign the 5 Foot Passing Law!
or here:http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/2/?a=36444516&i=109498544&c=
It works, its easy, try it out, and let your voice be heard.
You can also visit: bikesantafe.org for more info and more ways to reach the Governors office
Raising Awareness
Dr. Okerblom and his Son
From the Mesilla Valley Bike Coalition:
Please join us tomorrow morning, March 16th, at The Bean in Mesilla at 8:30AM to ride a few miles with Dr. Bob Okerblom. He is riding across the country to promote awareness of the dangers of driving while texting. Dr. Okerblom’s 19 ear old son was hit and killed in 2009 by a texting driver. Let’s all join him tomorrow, Wednesday, as he leaves Las Cruces to ride to El Paso. You can read more about it at the link below.
Loving Father, Adventurous Soul Remembered
Dr. Dr. Ronald Chester Fronczek 1947-2011
Dr. Ronald Fronczek was remembered in a ceremony attended by nearly 100 family, friends and strangers (including myself), who share a similar love of life and love of nature. Making it more difficult is the fact that Dr. Fronczek was a loving father and mentor, who certainly touched many lives.
As the weather is becomes favorable to riding, I urge everyone ride with caution, ride aware, and be smart. Remind your friends that bikes belong, that we are human beings.
With that in mind, we are planning to create a marketing campaign and we could use your help! We are looking for volunteers! We are looking for any bicycle rider who is willing to have a close-up photograph of there face with a brief printed quote of why you like to ride your bike. If you would like to volunteer, please give send us a message
MVBC Lights up the Holidays!
Courtesy of KVIA
After the recent death of Ricardo Duarte, the Mesilla Valley Bike Coalition held a fundraiser to purchase bicycle lights for the Community of Hope in Las Cruces. This past Saturday, coalition members were on hand distributing lights to those in need. Hopefully this will become an annual event and minimize the possibilities of another tragic incident from occurring. We to go MVBC!
KVIA Article & video: http://www.kvia.com/news/26042925/detail.html
Another Cyclist Hit – In stable condition
This time in El Paso. A 19 y/o woman has been citied for failure to yield after drifting to the right side of the road hitting and breaking Gabriel Perez’s back. Our condolences go to the family and the rider!
Advocacy Volunteers Needed!
The Las Cruces Metropolitan Planning Organizations is looking to fill two community member positions on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee (BPAC) board. Deadline to submit application letters is December 31, 2010 and can be mailed to Andy Hume.
Press Memo:
Hello.
The Las Cruces MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee (BPAC) is seeking two community members to serve on the board.
The MPO is looking for two community members to fill the following positions: City of Las Cruces Citizen Representative and Pedestrian Community Representative. Anyone interested in the City of Las Cruces position must live inside the city limits.
The BPAC is made up of members of the bicycling and pedestrian community, City of Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, Town of Mesilla Staff, NMDOT, and NMSU representatives. This committee provides input to the Policy Committee regarding bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the MPO and how they can be improved and expanded to serve residents better. The BPAC meets bi-monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 5:00 pm.
Please submit your letter of interest to Andy Hume by December 31, 2010 to be considered for either position. Include your experience with bicycle or pedestrian issues.
All of the letters will be submitted to the Policy Committee for consideration at their meeting on January 12, 2011.
Please forward this invitation to anyone you feel may be interested. Thank you.
Andrew Hume
Planner
LCI #2837
Las Cruces Metropolitan Planning Organization
PO Box 20000, Las Cruces, NM, 88011
phone – (575) 528-3047, fax (575) 528-3155
Sad News
Suspected vehicle type: White Minivan
Another sad day my friends. A 58 year old male was struck down at 11pm while riding his bicycle on Valley drive between Lohman and Hadley. The culprit left the scene leaving the helpless man bleeding on the side of the road. He died later in the hospital.
One thing we can do is to encourage City Council to consider proper education for not only bicyclist but for the entire community. People have to understand that we also have the right to the road AND more importantly, we are human beings!
City Council: CityCouncil@las-cruces.org
Sun News Article: http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_16338677
Las Cruces Bicycle Facilities Map
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