Cycling guidelines around New Mexico State University
By Robert Streett
Getting around the main campus of New Mexico State University can prove to be a time-consuming effort, which is why many resort to the use of a bicycle to do so. The only problem, however, is a lot of people do not seem to realize there are rules to follow.
When it comes to the four way stops along Stewart Street, the number of cyclists who simply race through the intersection as if they had the same privileges as pedestrians is staggering. People wearing protective gear seem to be concerned about safety, but many seem to have no knowledge of the proper protocol for riding a bike, especially around high-traffic areas.
“People on bicycles are absolutely required to follow state statute,” said Stephen Lopez, commander of the specialized services division with the New Mexico State Police. When a cyclist comes up to a stop sign, they have to stop, he said.
There is no condition that would allow someone on a bike to just ride on through, Lopez said. “They can ride on the sidewalk if it is at least six feet wide, but when they come to an intersection they must walk their bike across.”
As for someone who is riding out on a street, “they are subject to the same rules as cars,” Lopez said.
One of the biggest problem areas for violations is at the intersection of Stewart Street and Williams Avenue, according to the NMSU Police.
Andrew Blackman pops a wheelie outside Milton Hall-Photo:Rebecca Craig
A big thing that people do not understand about their actions is that getting a ticket is the least of their worries. People need to be really aware that “even if state law happens to be on their side, the laws of physics will always take precedence,” Lopez said.
“Just consider that the combined weight of a person on a bike comes out to 200 pounds, and that the average car weighs in at around 4,000 pounds,” he said. Add the fact that a large number of vehicles on campus are pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles that weigh up to 6,000 pounds and Lopez’s statement becomes especially clear.
“That’s a weight disparity of 20 to 30 times,” he said.
Aside from the obvious potential for serious injury, people must consider the implications of insurance coverage. Depending on the type of coverage, medical costs or the cost of damage that a bicycle inflicts upon a vehicle may not be covered under some policies.
There are marked bike lanes on campus, which the police strongly recommend the use of. If you have no choice but to ride in the street, correct procedure, according to state law, dictates you must ride as far to the right as possible while going in the same direction as traffic.
Although the number and locations of campus bike routes may not be sufficient for everyone’s use, New Mexico State University is taking steps to remedy the situation. Director of Facilities and Services Richard MacRorie has undertaken a conscious effort on campus to ensure bike paths are included in all new roads.
It will take some more time, but “the start of a good bicycle route system is there,” Lopez said. He added that cyclists must still exercise caution however, as NMSU has no authority over roads which are outside of the main campus such as Triviz Drive.
Apart from the safety of the riders, Lopez had more recommendations for people who bring their bikes on to campus. People riding their bikes on campus are not required to register, but are “strongly recommended to do so,” he said, “and it’s free.”
At the end of each semester, a large number of bikes are left chained up here and there, and NMSU has no means of identifying or contacting the owner. As such, all unclaimed bikes are auctioned off by NMSU.
Another reason to register, Lopez said, is if a bike is stolen, it makes the process easier for police. He went on to say that people should invest in a high-quality lock to prevent theft. “Don’t spend $3 to protect $300,” he said.
In the end, “the responsibility lies with the cyclist,” said Lopez.
For more on bicycle security, go to http://nmsupolice.com
