Share the Road Las Cruces Visibility Ride aims to promote bicycle safety and benefits
LAS CRUCES, NM (KVIA) -- Today bicyclists in Las Cruces met for their monthly “Share the Road Visibility Ride.” The event aims to raise awareness about the benefits of bicycling and promote safety for both cyclists and motorists.
ABC-7 spoke to George Pearson, vice president Velo Cruces, the Las Cruces biking advocacy group, who highlighted all the benefits that come with commuting by bike to work.
Just riding one day a week can help you cut 20% of your weekly fuel and save vehicle maintenance expenses. You can fight pollution by using emission free transportation. Biking helps you stay fit and use your commuter time as your workout instead of paying for a gym. “We have an obesity and diabetes crisis in the United States, and just even once a week would be so much helpful in improving people's health,” says Pearson.
The Visibility Ride, which began in December 2008, happens on the second Monday of each month. “We want to raise awareness that bicyclists are valid users of the road, that they are traffic just like other vehicles,” says Pearson. “So we ride once a month to help promote that idea. And so all the bicyclists are visible, and we follow the rules of the road.”
In addition to promoting bicycling benefits, the event emphasizes road safety. Pearson advises cyclists to be predictable and visible, obeying traffic laws and using lights and bright clothing, especially at night. Drivers are reminded to be patient, especially at intersections where bike lanes might disappear. “So it's just being aware. Remember that the cyclists, they're not just the randos out there that you don't know. They're somebody's father. There's somebody's brother,” emphasizes Pearson.
The City of Las Cruces is also working to improve bicycling infrastructure. The Safe Streets for All grant will help fund the city's active transportation plan, which aims to enhance bicycle facilities and safety. These efforts include new trails and pilot projects designed to make biking more accessible and secure.
The ride starts at 7:15 a.m. at the Las Cruces Railroad Museum. The route includes Las Cruces Avenue, Espina Street, Kansas Street, Solano Drive, and University Avenue, ending at Grounded, a coffee shop at the corner of Main Street and Las Cruces Avenue. Participants are encouraged to wear helmets and follow traffic rules. Those unable to join the ride can meet at Grounded for coffee around 8:00 a.m.
