Las Cruces: The Annual Tour of the Gila will be in full gear on Wednesday April 29 and will run through Sunday May 3, 2015. Law enforcement agencies and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) District One office will be assisting as racer travel through various routes as motorists may encounter intermittent closures.
The closures will be as follows:
· Thursday April 30, 2015 on NM 15 from the “Y” in Pinos Altos to the intersection of NM 15 and NM 35, this will be from 7:30 am until 12:30 pm. This will be in both directions.
· Friday May 1, 2015 on NM 90 from Silver City (mile marker 39) to just north of Lordsburg (mile marker 29). The closure will be from 8:40 am until 12:00 pm in both directions.
· Sunday May 3, 2015 on NM 15 from the “Y” in Pinos Altos to the intersection of NM 15 and NM 35, this will be from 7:30 am until 12:30 pm. This will be in both directions.
Law enforcement will be stationed on NM 90, US 180, NM 152, NM 15 and NM 35 to secure the safety of the bicyclists, spectators and the motorists. For more information regarding the race you may visit their web page atwww.tourofthegila, or contact Jack Brennan at (575) 388-3222.
Trent Doolittle, District One Engineer would like to remind motorists to be extremely cautious as they travel their routes. Below are some recommended driving tips as bicyclists share our roadways during the race and after.
- Allow three feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist just as you would with a slow-moving vehicle. Maintain this distance even if there are designated bike lanes.
- Before opening your car door, look for bicyclists who may be approaching.
- Do NOT pass bicyclists if oncoming traffic is near. Wait as you would with any slow moving vehicle, or if you are making a right turn immediately afterward. Always assume bicyclists are traveling through the intersection.
- Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially if the roadway is narrow.
- Don’t blast your horn when approaching bicyclists — you could startle them and cause an accident.
- Give bicyclists adequate space to maneuver. Recognize situations and obstacles which may be hazardous to cyclists, such as potholes, debris, and drain grates.
Information from NMDOT