What New Mexico’s New Bike Law Means for Everyone on the Road RETHINK THE RULES OF THE ROAD THIS SUMMER
bicycle crashes and 39 fatalities recorded between 2019 and 2023. Here’s how to ride smart and safe. Even with cyclist-friendly laws like Senate Bill 73 on the books, the streets are not always kind to people on two wheels. Bikers must still follow the rules of the road: signal when turning, ride with traffic, and be cautious of pedestrians. If the road feels too hectic, it is legal to hop onto the sidewalk, but always yield to foot traffic and ride with care. Also, do not trust the pavement. Roads are not always as smooth as they look. From potholes to slippery wooden bridges, hidden hazards can send even experienced riders tumbling. Stick to bike lanes and dedicated paths when you can, and always stay alert. Here’s another must-have: insurance. Many cyclists overlook this: Make sure you carry uninsured motorist coverage. If you are hit by a driver with no insurance (or worse, one who speeds off), this coverage can help pay for medical bills and bike repairs. We have
As National Bike Month rolls in, cyclists all over New Mexico are dusting off their helmets, pumping up their tires, and hitting the roads and trails. But before you ride off into that golden-hour glow, it is worth remembering that biking, while exhilarating and freeing, comes with serious responsibilities and risks. You can roll through stop signs? Big changes are coming for cyclists this summer. Starting July 1, New Mexico law will officially allow bike riders to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. That means if the coast is clear, cyclists can continue through intersections without waiting for the light to turn green. This update, inspired by Idaho’s long-standing traffic law for cyclists, might seem dangerous, but the fact is it’s actually safer! Why? Because keeping momentum helps riders clear intersections faster and stay out of drivers’ blind spots. And it works. After Idaho passed a similar law, cyclist injuries dropped by nearly 15% . New Mexico hopes to follow suit, especially with over 1,400
seen far too many cyclists left stranded, physically and financially, after hit-and- runs or crashes with uninsured drivers. Share the road like lives depend on it (because they do) . If you are behind the wheel, keep your eyes peeled for bikes, especially near intersections and crosswalks. Yield when required, never underestimate a cyclist’s speed, and give them space when passing. Defensive driving is not just smart, it’s lifesaving. Injured while riding? We can help. At Parnall Law, we do more than just handle personal injury cases; we champion cyclists. Our team has in- depth experience representing cyclists in accident cases across New Mexico. Whether an accident involves road hazards, bicycle trails, reckless drivers, or insurance disputes, we are here to help you get the compensation and support you deserve. If your ride ends in injury, do not navigate the road to recovery alone. Contact us for a free consultation. We are here to help you get back on your bike and back on your feet.
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