*Vulnerable Road Users* NM
- We enhance awareness about persons who
share our roads who are at particular risk.
- We help to educate road users about being respectful and
responsible toward others who use the same travel space.
- We enlist the support of community leaders, civic organizations, and local businesses as we advocate
for cooperation between planners, decision-makers, and road users.
~ REMINDING EVERYONE TO USE NEW MEXICO
ROADWAYS RESPONSIBLY AND RESPECTFULLY ~
*Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) include, but are not limited to: Pedestrians, including runners; physically disabled persons; skaters,
and children. Also, bicyclists, handcycles, horse-drawn conveyances, and farm equipment. Persons operating a motorcycle, moped,
motor-driven cycle, or motor-assisted scooter. Highway, construction, and maintenance workers, tow-truck operators, utility workers,
and other workers with legitimate business in or near the roadway or right-of-way, as well as stranded motorists.
Those of us who advocate for VRUs are not demanding or expecting special treatment. We seek to make the public aware of that these persons are at considerably greater risk. Cars, trucks, and SUVs are far bigger and capable of much higher speeds, a combination that must be taken into consideration when one recognizes the inherent disadvantages of VRUs. It is the legal right of these persons to share the road, and we want to stand up for that right. We do expect drivers to treat them with respect and consider the safety of ALL who share the roads. And we expect those in law enforcement and the judicial system to factor in those particular vulnerabilities when they investigate and assess fault.
Our Board of Directors
Our organization is served by a group of volunteers
who share a vision for positive change in our community.
Executive Director/President Barbara Toth
Co-Director/Vice-President Manny Terrazas
Board Treasurer Laura Roper
Board Secretary Faith Bamford
Member-at-large David Arias
Member-at-large Anthony Estrada
Member-at-large Donald Wilson
Meet our Board of Directors
Hello! I am BARBARA TOTH, founder of this organization. In 2020, my husband, Jim, was hit and seriously injured while riding his bicycle; thankfully, he survived! Recently we celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary! Besides my husband and home, I am passionate about making music - as a teacher, church musician, and professional accompanist. VRU is of particular importance to me because it demonstrates the redemptive aspect of what we have been thorough and allows us to use our story to make a difference in the lives of others!
My name is FAITH BAMFORD and I am a student here in Las Cruces. As my name suggests, my faith in Christ defines who I am and my commitment to serving my community. In crossing Las Cruces going from classes to music lessons to Karate and jiujitsu trainings, I have grown passionate about increasing the safety of the vulnerable road users that I share the road with. I want to empower other teens and young adults to advocate for safe driving among their peers.
I am ANTHONY ESTRADA, born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. I am husband to a wonderful wife and the father of 2 young men. I am a motorcyclist, sports fan, and film enthusiast. I have been a teacher for more than than18 years; currently I teach middle school students. In addition, I run two local small businesses with my wife, Zoraya. VRU is important to me because of its message of road safety and its representation of all who use our roadways.
I am LAURA ROPER, the mother of a beautiful 11-year-old daughter and married to my best friend, Delivan. When not caring for my family and home, I work at Weight Watchers guiding members to improved health and lifestyle. I also volunteer with the choir at my church. I am taking an active role in VRU because I recognize the importance of the organization and of protecting vulnerable road users. This could even include my own husband or daughter!
My name is MANNY TERRAZAZ and I have lived in the Mesilla Valley with my wife, Jennifer, for all 43 years of our married life. We raised 3 children here, and they and their spouses have given us 5 beautiful grandchildren! I am enjoying retirement after a 30-plus year career in Law Enforcement and have become an avid bike rider! I am vested in educating the public and working toward making sure every vulnerable rider or walker is safe.
I am DONALD WILSON. I moved to Las Cruces when I was just 4, then moved away for graduate school and to begin my career as a Nursing Home Administrator. My wife and I were fortunate to return to Las Cruces in 1996. We love living in the downtown area and that the weather here allows us to enjoy hiking or biking almost every day of the year! I am working with VRUNM and other cycling advocacy organizations to help make the roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and others in the Mesilla Valley.
