That situation has existed to one degree or another (seemingly, depending upon the season) for several years. Realistically, there really isn't much that could be done to control their behavior, since their only apparent crime is substance abuse. Although disconcerting, they, as far as I know, have never represented a threat to cyclists or runners, which is more than can be said for most humanoid hazards. Their presence certainly warrants slowing down and anticipating the unexpected - just as one would when approaching inattentive cyclists with headphones. On the other hand, I have seen the conscious ones readily move to the side, and even say hello on occasion. I've always suspected that the signs that advise you that you're riding there at your own risk might, in some part, be a reference to that particular hazard. I also think it's perfectly natural to be intimidated by their presence, and find that injecting a little sympathy into the equation helps to calm the nerves. Besides, it's nowhere near as scary as approaching the blind underpass at Montano on the Bosque trail, where two descending cyclists in the same lane could spell the end of your life as you know it.

Once I saw two people sitting on the ground with their legs fully extended in the middle of the tunnel adjacent to Paseo just N of Rio Grande. They were absolutely invisible in the dark of the tunnel, and thankfully I was in the opposite lane. I recommend entering that tunnel at a very conservative speed.

 

bob

 

From: "iHuman via Bike-racers" <bike-racers@mailman.swcp.com>
To: "NM Cycling" <bike-racers@swcp.com>
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 11:31:52 AM
Subject: [NMCycling] North Diversion Trail Underpass Dangers
Does anyone know if anything can be done about people sleeping and/or partying on the bike path underpasses?
Recently, when I ride the north diversion channel there are groups of people at the bottom of the underpass near Montgomery and the as well as the underpass just north of that. I was riding on Saturday and there were two people sleeping in the middle of the bike path on the southbound lane, a group of 3 standing in the northbound lane visiting with one another, and a group of about 10 about 20 feet away in the southbound lane sitting on the bike path - seemingly oblivious to bikes.
This is a disaster waiting to happen. Both for cyclists - and those sitting/sleeping on the path. (I do mean ON the path, and not off to the side).
thanks for your assistance!
elaine

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