Established in 1999, the Mesilla Valley Bicycle Coalition is a grassroots advocacy organization that promotes a greater understanding of bicycle safety and bicycling as a means of transportation, exercise and recreation. Our members are individuals and organizations from the Mesilla Valley region, including residents of Las Cruces and Mesilla, New Mexico, as well as other Dona Ana County communities and greater El Paso, Texas.  Local businesses, local health and environmental organizations, students, retirees, local bike clubs (Bike and Chowder Club,  Zia Velo, R.O.Y.A.L.S.), NMSU faculty and staff, avid bicycle commuters, racers and recreational riders have come together as volunteers to make our region “bicycle friendly.”

In turn, the MVBC is a member of the League of American Bicyclists (LAB at www.bikeleague.org) and a charter member of the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico (BCNM at www.bikenm.org), supporting our mutual missions and goals.  The BCNM is a 501(c)3 organization that advocates at the state level for increased bicycle use, access, safety, education and policy change by promoting the bicycle as an everyday means of transportation and recreation.  LAB is coordinates advocacy with a national perspective and works at the federal level on behalf of bicyclists.

Mission

The mission of the MVBC is to make the Mesilla Valley more “Bicycle Friendly” and an ideal place for bicycling thru on-going advocacy, education and encouragement.

Actions

1. -Promote the use of bicycle riding for personal transportation,  personal health, recreation, and a cleaner environment
   

- Encourage the implementation of AASHTO compliant,      interconnected bicycle facilities within existing and new areas of development in Las Cruces/Mesilla/Dona Ana County

- Promote education programs for bicyclists and motorists (“Share the Road”, LAB “Smart Cycling”) to encourage safe and responsible use of roadways by all; promote and support bicycle safety education programs designed especially for children

- Promote and support Safe Routes to Schools Programs

- Promote and support the Complete Streets Campaign

- Support legislation at all government levels which facilitates intermodal transportation alternatives for commuting and recreational users

- Promote, support and/or coordinate activities that further our mission, e.g.  Bike to Work/School Days, “green” events, visibility rides, community health activities, and educational outreach programs.