ADVICE to CYCLISTS
Document Sample


http://lcmpoweb.las-cruces.org
Bicycling Suitability Analysis
personal comfort evaluate what the best route is for you.
your origin and destination and according to your own
awareness when riding. These maps can be used to identify
the suitability factor all cyclists shall exercise caution and
importance in riding in the Las Cruces area. Regardless of
and safety, especially wearing a helmet, are of the utmost
with their route choices. Bicycle rules and regulations,
This Bicycling Suitability Map was developed to assist cyclists
Bicycling Suitability Map
ADVICE to CYCLISTS
NEVER RIDE AGAINST TRAFFIC
It is extremely dangerous and against the law to ride on the
wrong side of the roadway. It is also illegal to ride the wrong
way on a one-way street.
by statistical natural breaks.
classified into three categories
summed and the data were
All overlapping factors were
its appropriate street segment.
was weighted and assigned to
facilities. Each of these factors
tion, and existence of bike
counts, functional classifica-
the factors of speed, traffic
Map was created by using
This Bicycling Suitability
RIDE DEFENSIVELY
Suitability
When possible, ride in a straight line, to the right of traffic.
Bicycling
For your own safety be as predictable as you can.
Mesilla
Valley
(575) 528-3047
FOLLOW LANE MARKINGS
Metropolitan
Organization
Jan. 2009
information
contact the
Map
Las Cruces
Don’t turn left from the right lane. Don’t go straight in a lane
Planning
For more
marked right-turn-only.
BE AWARE OF CARS TURNING RIGHT
Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the
right. They also may not signal their turns.
Bike Facility
Classification
Functional
Speed
Traffic Count
SUITABILITY FACTOR VALUE RANGE
The following table shows the assigned points breakdown
Bicycling Suitability Map
Factors Used for
may vary from the suitability categories on the map.
GIS information collected by Las Cruces Metropolitan
on age and experience level. Real world conditions
The safety and commuting information was obtained
The bicycling suitability factors were derived from
Planning Organization staff. There are no guarantees
should only be used to guide route decisions.The abil-
ities of each individual bicycle rider may vary based
from the New Mexico Department of Transportation
about the accuracy of the GIS information. This map
CHOOSE THE BEST WAY TO TURN LEFT
There are two ways to make a left turn —
(1) Like an auto: signal, move into the left turn lane and turn
Bicycle Awareness brochure.
left with the traffic, and
(2) like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far side crosswalk
No Facility
Share the Road
Bike Lane or Shoulder
Minor or Principal Arterial
Collector
Local
40mph and over
30mph or 35mph
25mph or less
AADT: Annual Average Daily Traffic
More than 15000 AADT
Between 7500 and 15000 AADT
Less than 7500 AADT
and walk your bike across the street.
OBEY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS
Bicyclists must follow the same laws as motorists if they are
to be taken seriously.
USE HAND SIGNALS
Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a
matter of law, courtesy, and self-protection.
SCORE
0
2
4
0
1
2
0
1
2
0
1
2
SCAN THE ROAD BEHIND
Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your bal-
ance or swerving left. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.
• Make sure your bicycle is in good working order.
• Only one person per bicycle - no handle bar riding.
• Ride no more than two abreast.
• Be predictable. Don’t weave from the sidewalk to a
• Be visible if you ride at night. Use an appropriate headlight
• Signal your intent to change lanes or to make a turn.
• Ride as far to the right in the driving lane as practicable.
• Obey all traffic signs and traffic lights.
• Ride on the right side of the road - in the same direction
• Always wear a bicycle helmet. For cyclists under the age
Rules for Safe Bicycle Riding
the road when riding your bicycle:
laws. Remember to follow these rules of
bly and respectfully and obey all traffic
roads. They both must operate responsi-
Bicycles and automobiles share the
Bicycle Awareness
BEWARE OF PARKED CARS AND PEDESTRIANS
driving lane.
and rear reflector or light and wear light colored clothing.
as if you were driving a car.
of 18, wearing a helmet is the law in New Mexico.
On a day you would regularly take your car, drive the route
and look for things like street conditions and parked cars.
to wear a helmet. Check your bike for reflectors and other
You may even try a test ride on your bicycle on a weekend
Try to ride about a car door’s width away from parked cars.
safety features. Wear brightly colored clothing, especially
Watch for people opening car doors and pedestrians darting
July 1, 2007, cyclists under the age of 18 are required
Buy a CPSC approved helmet and wear it. Beginning
out into the street. Don’t weave in and out of parked cars.
prior to riding the route on a busy weekday.
Test Run & Safety First
BEWARE OF APPROACHING VEHICLES TURNING LEFT
Many bicycle accidents in New Mexico are caused by a mo-
torist turning left and not seeing the approaching bicyclist.
if you ride at dawn or dusk.
WATCH FOR CARS PULLING OUT
Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don’t see you
until you are sure they do.
Put Safety First
Do a Test Run
MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DRIVERS
Assume that motorists do not see you until you are sure that
they do. Eye contact is important, with any driver who might
pose a threat to your safety.
AVOID ROAD HAZARDS
Look ahead for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, debris,
fit enough to ride.
physician to make sure you’re
You may want to consult your
Check Your Fitness Level
drivers.
and responsibilities as auto
bicycle riders the same rights
The law in New Mexico gives
from thinking like a driver.
This is not much different
Start Thinking Like a Cyclist
Before You Ride
road and have someone to help you in case of an emergency.
cracks, and potholes. Remember to allow extra distance for
strengthen your resolve to bicycle. It can also be safer to ride
Design a route by looking at the Bicycling Suitability Map.
as a pair, too, since you’re a more formidable force on the
Also, look for bicycle lanes, extra wide travel lanes, or low
stopping in the rain since brakes may be less effective when
Knowing that someone is counting on you to ride can
wet.
Have your bike checked out by your local bike shop
CROSS RAILROAD TRACKS CAREFULLY
Cross railroad tracks at a perpendicular angle so your tire does
Commuting by Bicycle
not slip on the rail or drop into the slot, causing a spill. Wet
railroad tracks are very slippery.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
allow you to bring your
bike racks or drivers can
Buses in your area have
Look for Route Options
you drive.
of clothes at work on days
and more. Leave a change
lockers, changing facilities,
as bike racks, showers,
benefits for bicyclists, such
Your company may offer
Talk to Your Employer
Consider a Bike Buddy
Wear a sturdy helmet to protect your head.
Bright colored clothing will make you more visible to motor-
bike on board
Call your local
Transit Depart-
ists. New Mexico’s weather can be unpredictable. Be pre-
traffic volumes.
Select a Route
(575) 541-2500.
information at
ment for more
pared for rain or snow and sudden changes in temperature. professional.
Generally, dress in layers.
Gear Up
USE A PACK OR RACK TO CARRY THINGS
Saddlebags, racks, and baskets are all good ways to carry
packages, freeing your hands for safe riding. Never carry
more people than the design of your bike permits.
Jan. 2009
88004
Las Cruces, NM
PO Box 20000
Fax: (575) 528-3155
Phone: (575) 528-3047
Planning Organization
Las Cruces Metropolitan
contact the
information
For more
Map
Suitability
Bicycling
Valley
Mesilla
roads or land for parking lots. Eight to twelve bicycles can
It’s Fast! In many areas trips by bicycle, door to door, are
faster than by car, especially where the one-way commute
It’s Clean! Bicycles don’t pollute the air or require lots of
It’s Smart! Bicycle commuting is one of the least expen-
Discovering routes on back
park in the space required
great way to relieve stress.
roads through residential
exercise. Bicycle riders tend to enjoy healthier lifestyles,
sive ways to get to work. There’s no gas, parking fees or
insurance to pay for, and maintenance costs are much
at the end of the day is a
shape without having to set aside additional time for
It’s Fun! A bicycle ride
LOCK YOUR BIKE WHEN YOU’RE GONE
It’s Healthy! Riding a bike to work can keep you in
Lock up to a post or bike rack, threading the chain through neighborhoods can be
both wheels and the frame if you can. Deter thieves by clearly scenic and fun.
marking the frame and detachable parts with your bike regis-
for one car.
http://lcmpoweb.las-cruces.org
tration number or social security number.
get sick less often and feel less stress.
distance is less than five miles.
USE LIGHTS AT NIGHT
The law requires a headlight and rear reflector or tail light at
Why Cycling?
night. Wear lightcolored clothes with reflective tape for extra
visibility. Avoid wearing dark colors and red.
WATCH FOR CHASING DOGS
Dogs are attracted by the spinning of wheels and feet. Ignore
lower.
them, or try shouting a firm loud “NO”. If a dog doesn’t stop,
dismount with your bike between you and the dog.
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CA
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RO SS
Share the Road Railroad HOLY C Mesilla Valley
REMINGTON
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Least Suitable (0 - 2) THOMAS MORAN Suitability Map
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Multi Use Path (Not Rated) J AR
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