Dec. 20, 2004

Bicycle access after Jan. 3

I understand the further need to restrict access to the Pajarito Road corridor in that "Bicycles and persons on foot have been used in recent suicide bombings in various locations throughout the world." Granted ... however, where would a person who doesn't have bags or backpacks carry such explosives on their person, especially in the situation of a bicyclist who is dressed for exercise in their spandex, possibly hide such things? I guess maybe a water bottle. Either way my point is if one can vouch for another that has provided valid ID in a car why couldn't a Lab worker who has a valid Laboratory/Department of Energy badge vouch for a riding partner and declare themselves as an escort for the duration of the ride through the Pajarito Road Corridor? Or why not allow a person that lives with a Lab employee or Lab/DOE badge holder or a long time resident of Los Alamos be allowed to be on a list or apply for a pass of sorts for access to the road? I have to agree with Tommy Sewell in his statement that there will be much more bicycle traffic up the truck route now and being that NM 4 between White Rock and the truck route has no shoulder, it proves to be a much more dangerous method of travel for bicyclists of Los Alamos. As it is, Los Alamos is not a very bicycle friendly area. If this is not possible, maybe the Lab could provide funds and persuade the San Ildefonso Pueblo to allow a wider road to be constructed for safer passage of bicycles.

--Mark Voss