It should be noted here that in spite of the law, most cyclists use the road shoulder when one is available, rather than risk antagonizing motorists. Cyclists generally take less of their right to the road than the law allows them. The fact is that the Silver City cycling community is anything but a bunch of hippies. Bicyclists are far from totally innocent in this scenario. Cyclists need to do their part by abiding by traffic regulations, making themselves visible by wearing brightly colored clothing, and riding predictably.
Motorists can help by staying focused on driving and exercising a bit more patience.
Most important, cyclists and motorists need to respect each other's rights to be on the road. Applying the Golden Rule would go a long way to making life safer and more congenial for everyone. Tim Matthes is a member of the Silver Spokes Bicycle Club and a triathlete who puts in about 100 miles per week on his bicycle. The lanes need to be maintained by the street sweepers. Sauber, bike advocate Tim Matthes and Tom Trowbridge, president of New Mexico Alternative Transit, met with Fortenberry to discuss ways to make Silver City a more bicycle-friendly place.