Access to Pajarito Road for bicyclists to change

Cyclist Khalil Spencer of Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) properly walks his bicycle across a crosswalk on Diamond Drive.

Motorists, pedestrians, cyclists all have role in ensuring safety

Recently, pedestrians were nearly struck by vehicles whose drivers did not come to a complete stop at the intersection of Mercury and Pajarito roads. Unfortunately, these were not chance occurrences.

According to David Dixon of Industrial Hygiene and Safety (HSR-5), numerous " near misses" across Laboratory property have prompted the Laboratory to begin developing a formal methodology to measure such incidents. Once put into place, it will enable safety officials to track statistics related to pedestrian and cyclists-related accidents.

Awareness is everyone's responsibility, and for safety's sake, it is important that drivers, cyclists and pedestrians understands the rules of the road. For convenience, they are presented below.

Motor vehicles

According to New Mexico State law and Los Alamos County code, drivers must comply with the following regulations:

• Obey posted speed limits, traffic signs, and all relevant motor vehicle laws and regulations;
• Proceed with caution when approaching or passing any person riding on a bicycle; pass the rider at a reasonable speed and maintain a safe distance - no less than five feet;
• Stop before making a turn right at a red light;
• Motor vehicles shouldn't be operated in such a manner as to harass or endanger a bicyclist;
• Stop before entering an area defined by a crosswalk when approaching an intersection containing a stop sign;
• Be aware that pedestrians crossing the roadway within a crosswalk have the right-of-way;
• Operate vehicles in a manner within a safety envelope consistent with prevailing roadway conditions;
• Finally, don't take frustrations out on fellow motorists. Road rage and aggressive driving are not only dangerous, but also usually involve illegal behavior.

Bicyclists should use hand signals when making turns as shown from the perspective of a motorist.

Cyclists

Cyclists, like motor vehicle drivers, are required to observe vehicle and traffic laws. In addition, cyclists should obey ordinances from Sections 38-545, 547, 548, and 553 of the Los Alamos County code:

• Ride as near to the right side of the street as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

Note: it is not considered practicable to ride as near to the right side of the street under the following circumstances:

• When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
• When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or roadway;
• When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards or substandard width lanes (lanes too narrow for a bicycle and motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side) that make it unsafe to continue along the right hand curb or edge;
• Don't ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of streets set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Bby law, persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
• Keep a safe distance, no less than five feet when approaching or passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
• No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district with careless or reckless disregard for pedestrians or other vehicles.
• Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, the person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian
• Cyclists riding after dark must equip their bicycles with a white lamp on the front visible from a distance of at least 500 and a red reflector on the rear visible up to 300 feet when observed by a motor vehicle headlight system. A red tail lamp is optional and highly recommended.

Pedestrians

By state law and county ordinance, pedestrians are required to cross the street only in designated, clearly marked crosswalks -- no jaywalking. The following safety tips may also assist those traveling on foot:

• Look left, right, and left again when crossing a street, and continue looking while crossing;
• Make sure that all vehicles in the roadway have stopped and that all drivers can see you before stepping off the curb;
• Don't assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you;
• Don't assume that a green light, a "walk" signal, or a crosswalk means the street is safe to cross even though pedestrians have the right-of-way; some drivers may disregard traffic rules;
• Be especially alert for turning vehicles - never step out in front of a turning vehicle if the driver has not seen you;
• Walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible if there is no sidewalk;
• Wear reflective clothing when walking at night;
• Be aware of limited visibility in rainy/snowy conditions, as well as the extra time and distance it takes vehicles to stop.

To avoid slips, trips and falls

• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes;
• Limit access to difficult areas;
• Work/exercise in daylight;
• Let others know where you are;
• On snow and ice, walk like a duck: that is, keep hands out of pockets for balance; walk with feet about shoulder width apart and point toes slightly outward; and take small steps and walk flat footed.

Motor vehicle operators, bicyclists, and pedestrians should at all times be cognizant of each other and allow time to react defensively. Especially, given the icy, dangerous winter weather conditions, HSR-5 asks drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should follow the above simple, yet essential, safety rules designed to protect all employees.

For more information or for safety-related questions or concerns, call the Safety Hotline at 5-7233.

--Hildi T. Kelsey

As shown, cyclists are required to ride as near to the right side of the street as practicable. Photos by LeRoy N. Sanchez, Public Affairs