(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context indicates or requires a different meaning.
BICYCLE. Any mechanical device propelled solely by the power produced from the exertion of muscles by the person riding and operating the device, irrespective of the number of wheels thereon.
BIKE ROUTE. That portion of a shared roadway approximately 4 feet in width, located approximately 8 feet from the curb of the roadway, which is duly designated by the Chief of Police, the Mayor and the ad hoc Bicycle Committee, as a bicycle route, after publication of the proposed route, at least 7 days prior to the designation thereof. The BIKE ROUTE is to be marked and striped in accord with the regulations of the New Mexico State Highway Department, as such are in effect at the time of the establishment of the BIKE ROUTE.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Any mechanical device operated upon the streets or highways of the Town of Clayton, which is propelled by any other means than the muscle power of the person operating it, including wind driven machines and electrically motivated machines as well as all devices propelled by means of any type of internal combustion engine.
(B) Bike routes. There shall be established from time to time within the Town of Clayton, along streets duly designated as provided in the definition above, bike routes. The bike routes shall be at least 4 feet in width and shall be located not less than 8 feet from the curb of the town street on streets within residential areas; on thoroughfares within the Town of Clayton on which parking of motor vehicles is not permitted or does not occur, the bicycle lane of the bike route shall occupy the 4 feet adjacent to the outside or curb edge of the pavement on the street.
(C) Motor vehicles on bike routes. It shall be a violation of this section for any person to operate a motor vehicle within a bike route as such is duly established and marked within the Town of Clayton when the bike route is being used by a bicycle. Operation of a motor vehicle within the bike route area during such times as the motor vehicle is not closer than 50 feet to any bicycle being operated within the bike route shall not constitute a violation of this section. Operating a motor vehicle to cross a bike route for the purpose of parking or entering the roadway, shall not constitute a violation of this section as long as it is done in the manner as to not pose any hazard to the operators of bicycles when using the bike route. Motor vehicles shall at all times yield the use of the bike route area, as established and marked, to bicycles.
(D) Use of bicycle lane. Persons operating bicycles on roadways which include shared roadway and a bicycle lane thereon are encouraged to use the bicycle lane, but are not required to do so. It shall be a violation of this section for a bicyclist to use the bike route to travel in opposition to the prevailing traffic flow for that side of the street. The bike route shall be at all times used to move in the same direction as the flow of motor vehicular traffic for that side of the street. This division (D) shall not apply to bike paths adjacent to a roadway.
(Ord. 504, passed 7-11-1977) Penalty, see § 72.99