I got the chance to see the streetcars in action in downtown El Paso earlier this week, and I can't wait to ride them. There are a lot of questions about how the streetcars are going to work and how they will move through traffic. The City will be hosting three meetings for the public to answer any questions about safety:

Tuesday, August 21, 6:00 p.m.

La Fe Culture and Technology Center – rear building (721 S Ochoa Street)

Wednesday, August 22, 5:30 p.m.

El Paso Main Library - (501 N Oregon Street)

Thursday, August 23, 6:00 p.m.

Cathedral High School Auditorium - (1309 N Stanton Street)

Here are some tips about dealing with the streetcars:

Pedestrians -

Look both ways and listen for the streetcar before you step into the crosswalk. Streetcars run on electricity and are extremely quiet when approaching a station.

Streetcars will provide warning sounds before coming to a stop.

There are new signals all along the streetcar route. Cross only at a crosswalk when the walk signal is on.

Never try to beat a moving streetcar by walking or running in front of it while it’s in motion. Streetcars cannot make sudden stops.

Motorists -

Pass the streetcar with caution. Never block the tracks while parking or changing lanes.

Never cut in front of a moving streetcar. Get behind the streetcar to make any right-hand turns.

Park only at designated spaces along the streetcar route. Never block the tracks. Cars will be towed.

Cyclists -

Avoid riding near streetcar tracks when possible. Track grooves are slightly wider than the typical bike tire, so it’s easy for tires to become caught between the rails. Always cross rails at a 90 degree angle.

Tracks can be slippery, especially when wet. Try to avoid any wet areas along the route when crossing the tracks.

Stanton Street between Baltimore and Rio Grande is now a 2-way bikeway. All cyclist can ride north and south on the same side of the street.

Never grab the back of a streetcar to be pulled along on your bike.

There are streetcar safety videos at sunmetro.net/streetcar.