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I live in Seattle and will be off work the first 3 weeks of February off. [I might even be able to take the entire month off, but I'm not sure yet.] As I'm sure many of you know, Seattle is overcast and dizzly about 8-9 mos/year, and the Winters are especially dreary. Consequently I like to visit areas with nice weather that are relatively undeveloped. When I travel I generally prefer to keep things as simple and flexible as possible, so I was thinking I'd make it an adventure and try hitchhiking as way of getting around.
I was also thinking about bicycling, and by that I mean intercity bicycling. Are the roads and drivers safe for this?
About me: I'm 41 years old, male, caucasian. I'm in good physical condition, so I can walk extensively if necessary. The reason I mention this is that anecdotally I've heard it's more dangerous for younger women to hitchhike (I haven't read any stats that confirm or discredit this notion).
So, is hitchhiking or bicycling in NM practical and safe, or would this be highly ill-advised? Are there some areas/roads I should especially try to avoid? I haven't committed to doing this or anything; right now I'm just pondering my options. Any and all constructive info and comments are appreciated.
Last edited by Apathizer; 08-28-2012 at 11:24 AM..
Reason: Added cycling as an option
When I travel I generally prefer to keep things as simple and flexible as possible, so I was thinking I'd make it an adventure and try hitchhiking as way of getting around.
I do not consider hitchhiking as flexible and simple.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Apathizer
So, is hitchhiking in NM practical and safe, or would this be highly ill-advised? Are there some areas/roads I should especially try to avoid? I haven't committed to doing this or anything; right now I'm just pondering my options. Any and all constructive info and comments are appreciated.
I would not hitchhike... I would rather ride a bike, take a train, or a bus...
Motor Vehicle Laws in New Mexico
New Mexico Highway and Transportation Department
Traffic Safety Bureau
Quote:
66-7-340. Pedestrians soliciting rides or business. (1978)
A. No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment or business from the occupant of any vehicle.
Note it means do not stand in the road, which some people do not understand...
I live in Seattle and will be off work the first 3 weeks of February off. [I might even be able to take the entire month off, but I'm not sure yet.] As I'm sure many of you know, Seattle is overcast and dizzly about 8-9 mos/year, and the Winters are especially dreary. Consequently I like to visit areas with nice weather that are relatively undeveloped. When I travel I generally prefer to keep things as simple and flexible as possible, so I was thinking I'd make it an adventure and try hitchhiking as way of getting around.
About me: I'm 41 years old, male, caucasian. I'm in good physical condition, so I can walk extensively if necessary. The reason I mention this is that anecdotally I've heard it's more dangerous for younger women to hitchhike (I haven't read any stats that confirm or discredit this notion).
So, is hitchhiking in NM practical and safe, or would this be highly ill-advised? Are there some areas/roads I should especially try to avoid? I haven't committed to doing this or anything; right now I'm just pondering my options. Any and all constructive info and comments are appreciated.
I believe hitchiking is illegal across the Country however, check the laws for the state/states you plan on doing this in.
I believe hitchiking is illegal across the Country however, check the laws for the state/states you plan on doing this in.
Technically it is illegal, but there are pretty easy ways around it. It's my understanding that if you're far enough away from the road, rather than standing on the side of the road, you can get away with it. Sort of a legal gray area.
Technically it is illegal, but there are pretty easy ways around it. It's my understanding that if you're far enough away from the road, rather than standing on the side of the road, you can get away with it. Sort of a legal gray area.
Okay, your choice to do this or not but it is not something I myself would pursue. Good luck and happy trails.
Not safe in any state male or female. Aside from the nut cases, didn't your moma ever teach you to walk facing traffic? Highway walkers, many of whom do not drive, don't seem to understand that drivers do not see the walkers as well as the walkers see them. And dark clothing, who came up with that garb for twilite jogs?
I live in Seattle and will be off work the first 3 weeks of February off...
I was also thinking about bicycling, and by that I mean intercity bicycling. Are the roads and drivers safe for this?
Bicycling NM in February can be a VERY uncomfortable experience if the weather is 'typical.' New Mexico secondary hiways are NOT bicycle safe, for the most part. Many have minimal shoulders. As an experienced road bicycler, I have never ridden any distance on NM highways on a vacation. There are much more bicycle friendly states than NM. You should look at south Texas for winter bicycling on well maintained state roads. Even the farm-to-market roads in Texas are better than the state hiways in NM.
Just my considered opinion.'
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