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MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) - When is a bicycle faster than a car? When you're crossing the U.S.-Mexico border under today's tightened security after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. So many people have started pedaling their way into the United States that authorities have created a special bicycle-only border crossing lane in El Paso, Texas. The Immigration and Naturalization Service is hoping the idea will catch on. The INS has asked Mexican authorities to help distribute leaflets publicizing the new bike lanes, where crossing into the United States takes a only few minutes. Auto crossings now involve hours-long waits because of more thorough searches. "It's working out really well," Leticia Zamarripa, the INS spokeswoman in El Paso, said Wednesday. The bicycle lane was opened Tuesday at a downtown bridge, after inspectors noticed that bike riders were weaving through backed-up cars to get to inspection gates. Thousands of Mexicans and Americans cross the border each day to shop, work or study on the other side. About 270 people used the bicycle lane on the first day, and 280 did on Wednesday. The lane is open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.. © 2001 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved |
