Bicycling safety
Bicyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities as other drivers in Nevada. Cyclists must ride to the right unless they are preparing to turn left or are able to match the speed of traf麍c. Cyclists must obey all traf麍c signs and signals.
Tips for staying safe while cycling
Bike helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent and help save lives when worn correctly.
State law (NRS 484B.760-783) requires:
- White light in the front visible from at least 500 feet away
- Red tail reflector or light visible in a vehicle’s low beams from 300 feet away
- Reflective material on the sides of the bike visible in low beams from at least 600 feet away or a light visible from both sides from 500 feet away
Although it’s courteous to allow a car behind to pass more easily, when you merge back into traffic you may surprise the next, unsuspecting driver. Ride predictably and in a straight line whenever possible so cars can pass you safely.
- Don’t rely on people walking or driving to see you
- Ride predictably so others have an idea of what you are going to do
- Ride at least 3-feet away from parked cars to avoid riding into an open car door
- Listen for cars approaching from the side or rear
- Ride with traffic
- Don’t follow cars too closely or ride in their blind spot
- Always be prepared to stop
- Extend special courtesy and care to other users such as pedestrians or the disabled
- Use your best judgment and walk your bike on sidewalks or narrow pathways
There are a lot of buses and shuttles on campus that pull to the right-hand side of the road to load and unload passengers. Please be aware of them and make sure not to pass them or other vehicles on the right-hand side.
Below are excerpts of Nevada state laws regarding cycling, including links to their full texts.
- (NRS 484B.760-783)
- (NRS 484B.270-2a,b)
When motorists pass you, they must move into an adjacent lane to the left if possible. If not, they must pass with at least 3-feet clearance from your bicycle. - (NRS 484B.307-8b)
You may proceed straight through or turn because the signal failed to detect the presence of your bicycle provided you have waited for two complete cycles of the light and you yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. If a violation results in an injury to another person, then the violation can become a civil liability. This does not allow bicyclists to run light signals—proceed carefully after yielding to the right-of-way.