Bicycling is a popular activity in Nevada, both for recreation and transportation. With beautiful scenery and pleasant weather much of the year, it’s no wonder so many Nevada residents and visitors choose to explore on two wheels. But what are the rules that bicyclists have on the road in Nevada? Knowing the laws and safety best practices can help ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
What are the Rules that Bicyclists Have on the Road?
In Nevada, bicycles are considered vehicles when ridden on roads and highways. This means bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Here are some key laws and rules bicyclists must follow:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic. Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road and obey all traffic laws, signs, signals, and lane markings.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping. Bicyclists must signal their intentions clearly to surrounding traffic.
- Equip bikes properly. Bicycles ridden at night must have a front light, rear reflector, and side reflectors. Brakes, a bell or other audible warning device, and bright coloring on pedals are also legally required.
- Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must slow down and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks.
- No bicycling on certain roads. Bicycles are prohibited on interstate highways and certain urban roads. Always check for signs.
- Use bike lanes when present. On roads with designated bike lanes, bicyclists must use the bike lane and not ride in traffic lanes whenever possible.
- No impaired riding. Bicyclists are subject to the same BAC limits and open container laws as motorists when riding on roads.
- Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicyclists must come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights.
- Children rules. Children under 18 must wear helmets when riding bicycles in Nevada. Children are also required to ride in bike lanes or on shoulders, not traffic lanes, whenever possible.
- Allowed on sidewalks outside business districts. Nevada law permits bicyclists to ride on sidewalks when outside business districts, unless prohibited by local ordinance. Bicyclists must always yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
In addition to following traffic laws, safe bicycling requires being predictable, visible, and alert at all times. Bicyclists should make their intentions clear, wear bright clothing, establish eye contact with drivers, and avoid driver blind spots. Defensive riding is critical to avoiding collisions.
Common Bicycling Accidents in Nevada
Unfortunately, bicyclists are vulnerable road users and crashes occur frequently in Nevada. Some common bicycling accidents include:
- Drivers turning left into an oncoming bicyclist’s path
- Drivers opening car doors into the path of bicyclists (dooring)
- Drivers rear-ending bicyclists stopped at intersections
- Drivers running stop signs and red lights into bicyclists’ path
- Bicyclists losing control on hazardous road conditions and debris
- Bicyclists struck by passing vehicles with inadequate clearance
- Sidewalk bicyclists colliding with vehicles at driveways or intersections
- Impaired drivers striking bicyclists at night with no lights or reflectors
- Speeding vehicles striking bicyclists on high-speed or winding roads
- Unsafe passing of bicyclists by impatient or inattentive drivers
Bicycling accidents often result in severe injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, abrasions, and nerve damage. Some collisions are fatal. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury in a bike crash.
Factors Contributing to Bicycle Accidents
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to bicycle accidents on Nevada roads:
- Driver inattention/distraction – Drivers talking on cell phones, texting, or otherwise distracted are a major hazard.
- Driver impatience – Unsafe passing or pressuring bicyclists to move over when unsafe.
- Intoxicated driving – Impaired motorists’ reaction times and judgment are compromised.
- Speeding – Excessive vehicle speeds increase crash severity.
- Hazardous road conditions – Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and blind curves all add danger.
- Wrong-way riding – Bicyclists riding against traffic risk serious head-on crashes.
- No lights at night – Lack of illumination or reflectors makes bicyclists nearly invisible after dark.
- Ignoring traffic signs/signals – Running stop signs or red lights heightens collision risk.
- No helmets – Lack of proper safety gear leaves bicyclists vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries.
- Defective bike parts – Faulty brakes, wheels, or other components can cause crashes.
- Aggressive or harassing drivers – Some motorists intimidate bicyclists, risking altercations.
By being aware of these contributing factors, bicyclists and drivers can take precautions to promote safety on the road.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
If you are injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, it is important to take certain steps to preserve your rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries. Thoroughly document all injuries.
- Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the official report.
- Photograph the accident scene, vehicles, bike damage, and injuries.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties.
- Get contact information for any witnesses who saw the collision.
- Avoid discussing fault or making any statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
- Keep records of all accident-related expenses like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, etc.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer Sparks as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Legal Options if You Are Injured by a Negligent Driver
If you are a bicyclist injured by a negligent driver in Nevada, you have the legal right to seek compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the crash. Compensation may come from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy.
It is critical to build a strong claim by preserving evidence, obtaining witness statements, establishing fault, and valuing all damages. An attorney knows how to negotiate skillfully with insurance companies or file a lawsuit if needed. Do not delay in contacting a Sparks personal injury lawyer, as Nevada has strict statutes of limitations that apply.
Contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys Today
The personal injury attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars fighting aggressively for the rights of injured bicyclists and accident victims in Nevada. We offer compassionate counsel and work tirelessly to help clients obtain the maximum compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case. We do not collect a fee unless you receive compensation in your case. Let our experience work for you.
