NMTS Policy on Obeying Traffic Laws

A. Operators of bicycles have the same rights as operators of automobiles in the use of streets,
highways, and roadways within the City of Albuquerque, except as otherwise specifically
provided herein.
B. Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be subject to all duties applicable to the
drivers of motor vehicles, except otherwise expressly provided in this article and except which
by their nature can have no applications of this article to which a motorist is subject.

Ride Leader Guidelines

• Ride leaders will fill out a ride submission form on the web site. Approval by the ride chairman is necessary.
• Ride leaders should hand out maps or give explicit instructions of the ride route.
• Ride leaders will assure that all riders sign the NMTS waiver including the Emergency Contact information.
• All cyclists are required to have CSPC, SNELL, or ANSI approved helmets. For after sunset rides cyclists will have head and tail lights.
• Ride leaders should designate regroup or rest stop areas if and where appropriate.
• Ride leaders will assure that the last person is accounted for during and after the ride. For large rides or with a diverse group a sweep rider may need to be designated.
• When the ride is complete the ride leader should turn in the waiver form to the Mileage Chairman.

Rider Etiquette

• All cyclists will wear CSPC, SNELL, or ANSI approved helmets.
• Cyclists should be prepared to contend with the normal occurances of cycling such as flats and be prepared with the correct equipment.
  • Ample water and snacks. A water-bottle per hour is a good rule of thumb for water consumptions. Remember that New Mexico is a desert so plan accordingly.
  • Basic repair kit including spare tires and a pump.
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • Identification (drivers license), medical insurance card, and written emergency contact, name and phone number.
  • Raingear, gloves, tights as the weather demands.
  • Head and taillights if riding after sunset.
• Cyclists will obey state and city traffic ordinances as they pertain to cyclists.
• Cyclists should arrive at the designated ride meeting place with sufficient time to get ready for the ride to start at the advertised time.
• Cyclists should maintain the pace as advertised. The rider may ride faster or slower than this pace if s/he knows the route and advises the leader accordingly. In this case the leader will not be responsible for the cyclists safe return or completion of the ride.
• Cyclists should advise the ride leader if the rider will not complete the ride or deviate from the designated route.
• Cyclists should warn nearby rear cyclists of road debris or, when in the rear, warning leading cyclists of approaching motorists from behind.
• Cyclists should as simple courtesy help out others with mechanical problems.
• Cyclists should use common sense and courtesy.
• Cyclists should not antagonize vehicle drivers, you can only lose.

Club Officer Descriptions

President

• Leads monthly meetings. Responsible for setting up the meeting area, calling the meeting to order, making announcements, introducing the guest speaker.
• Makes policy decisions, issues club official statements and letters, schedules board meetings when the need arises.
• Proposes annual budget.
• Delegates responsibility for major events: Gila Inner Loop Super Tour, Ride Leaders Annual Party, Christmas Party.

Vice President

• Takes the President's duties when he/she is absent.
• Schedules monthly programs.

Secretary

• Takes minutes of monthly meetings and board meetings which are submitted to the newsletter editor.

Treasurer

• Manages the club's finances, deposits membership payments, issues checks to reimburse authorized expenses.
• Manages the club's membership list.
• Keeps the club's LAB membership dues, insurance, and ride line phone payments up to date.
• Collects the printed newsletters from the printer and mails the monthly newletters. produces mailing labels or information for the monthly Freewheel.
• Maintains ride waivers, checks, and other documents for 5 years.
• Issues monthly account balance for the Freewheel.

Freewheel Editor

• Collects ride information from the Ride Chairman, ride recaps from ride leaders, advertisements from sponsors, and members, and other useful information.
• Formats the Newsletter.
• Submits the Newsletter to the printer.
• Posts the newsletter on the web site.

Ride Chairman

• Approves rides submitted on the web site.
• Submits a weekly Email Blast to the web site.

Government Liaison

• Attends meetings of cycling related groups such as GASP!, GABAC, and NM Highway Department meeings.
• Reports minutes to the newsletter editor and gives a summary at monthly meetings.

Mileage Chairman

• Collects ride waiver sheets from ride leaders and maintains totals for each year.
• Submits running totals and the Rider of the Month to the newsletter editor.

WebMaster

• Keeps the NMTS website up to date.