As the pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayó began in earnest this week, the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office is once again helping lead efforts to keep everyone safe.
As in the past few years, the biggest change and asset will be the number of law enforcement officers, including those from surrounding communities, patrolling on bicycles, RASO Major Lorenzo Aguilar said.
The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Rio Arriba County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management department to coordinate the response on one side of the Rio Arriba/Santa Fe county border.
New Mexico State Police, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Taos County Sheriff’s Office, Los Alamos police and Santa Fe police will all help out with manpower.
The home base for law enforcement and emergency managers will be, as in past years, the La Arboleda Community Center in Chimayó.
“We will have waters available, food, and we encourage people who need a place to take a break, get some shade, use a restroom, to stop in,” Aguilar said. “It’s a safe place to be.”
Bike patrols
A bevy of law enforcement agencies will patrol on bicycle because it’s an easier way to navigate crowds, slow down cars, and to quickly, and safely, get to anything.
“If it’s an emergency, we’re able to respond quickly on bikes as compared to a vehicle,” Aguilar said. “When you have a large amount of people walking, it’s hard to get around in an emergency in a vehicle.”
The bicycles will also allow deputies to spread out and cover more area.
Bus service
The North Central Regional Transit District will run two free bus routes to serve pilgrims:
An “express route” from the Cities of Gold bus stop in Pojoaque to a special bus stop at the former Chimayó Head Start on County Road 98, about half a mile from the Santuario, will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a round-trip route.
A regular bus between the Española Transit Center (412 Paseo de Oñate) to the Benny Chavez Community Center at 354 Juan Medina Road, near the intersection with State Road 76 will also be offered.
The buses will be “delayed” because of the immense amount of foot traffic.
Staying safe
Anyone walking before the sun rises should take extra precautions to be seen on the road, including using a flashlight or headlamp, glow sticks and reflective vest or clothing, or “anything to be visible and seen on the road,” Aguilar said.
The other safety advice regional law enforcement has for the pilgrimage:
• Drivers should drive cautiously and at a reduced speed, leaving enough room between pedestrians and themselves
• Dress in layers
• Wear bright, reflective clothing
• Carry a flashlight for increased visibility
• Wear comfortable footwear
• Avoid crossing the road and stay on designated paths
• Walk in groups of three or more
• Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol
• Report emergencies by calling 911 or flagging down bicycle officers
• Stay hydrated