Illiana Luna 
Weslaco- According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety website, in just 2016 alone, 3776 traffic fatalities occurred in the state of Texas.
The first of its kind protest held here in the Valley was hosted by bike organizations such as Bike McAllen and Weslaco Bikearoos who welcomed cyclists and of all ages and those who may have lost a loved one partake in the ride-a-long protest.
“Our main goal to advocate is to have the community embrace sharing the road abiding by the safe passing ordinance which is allowing the cyclist a 3-foot distance,” said Weslaco Bikearoos Organizer and Hidalgo County Bike Advocate, Eudy Carrillo.
Bike advocates served to educate both cyclists and motor-vehicles on Texas traffic safety laws as well as to share this message with their local government.
“We need more and better bicycle infrastructure because we have the right to be on the road and you know, some of us don’t have cars,” said Brownsville Bike Advocate Edgar Gaucin.
For those taking a more sustainable commute or simply riding for exercise should abide by the following.
“It’s fun I do it every day after work. I like to mountain bike so I go to the canals, trials and mission bike park but every now and then I do go on the streets to go get pizza or to the park with friends, and I like it a lot it’s fun,” said cyclist John Hernandez .
The ride-a-long protest was a 2.5 mile stretch starting from the Harlon Block Sports Complex to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. Weslaco PD also escorted the cyclists.
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