HOUSE MEMORIAL 35

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Sandra D. Jeff

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCIL TO COLLABORATE WITH THE BERNALILLO COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND LOCAL AND AREA POLICE TO IDENTIFY A MECHANISM TO APPROPRIATELY EDUCATE BICYCLE RIDERS ABOUT REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS REGARDING THE USE OF THEIR BICYCLES PRIOR TO ISSUING CITATIONS FOR INFRINGEMENTS OF THOSE REGULATIONS.

     WHEREAS, local information about requirements and restrictions involving the use of bicycles is limited and not readily accessible to bicycle riders; and

     WHEREAS, bicycle riders rely on their bicycles for transportation and recreation; and

     WHEREAS, no state requirement exists to obtain a license to ride a bicycle; and

     WHEREAS, statutory language that does exist identifies failure to comply with the statute regarding bicycles as a misdemeanor, which could involve jail time or a fine; and

     WHEREAS, the imposition of monetary fines and citations for improper use of a bicycle is a financial burden during this time of economic hardship; and

     WHEREAS, bicycle riders should have easy and ready exposure to the local, county and state requirements and penalties for improper use of a bicycle; and

     WHEREAS, education in advance of the imposition of monetary fines and citations for improper use of a bicycle would reduce the incidence of such improper use and provide a safer environment for all vehicles that share the roadways;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Albuquerque city council be requested to collaborate with the Bernalillo county board of county commissioners and with local and area police to identify a mechanism to appropriately educate bicycle riders about regulations and restrictions regarding the use of their bicycles prior to issuing citations for infringements of those regulations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the Albuquerque city council.

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