If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident—whether due to a driver’s negligence or a dispute over fault—a bicycle accident lawyer in Las Vegas can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Las Vegas Bicycle Laws
Nevada law requires motorists to exercise care and be extra cautious to protect the safety of bicyclists. However, bicyclists have the same rights as drivers, which means they also have a duty to follow the law.
Where Bicyclists Can Ride
Bicyclists must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one driving in the same direction, unless:
- Traveling at a legal speed limit that is also similar to the speed of any nearby traffic
- Turning left or
- When it would not be safe to do so
The state does not have a law that prohibits or authorizes riding a bike on a sidewalk, but local ordinances can establish their own regulations on the matter. In Las Vegas, it is illegal to ride on sidewalks on Fremont Street between Main Street and Seventh Street. Clark County does not have an ordinance prohibiting sidewalk riding on the strip, but Las Vegas police may still cite riders for it.
Rules of the Road
Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as vehicles, which means:
- Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as vehicles.
- Stop for red traffic lights: The law requires bicycle riders to wait until the light turns green before continuing.
- Stop at stop signs: Bicyclists must come to a complete stop at a stop sign and yield the right of way if necessary before moving on.
- Make turns in the appropriate lane: When turning left, approach in the far left-hand lane, and when turning right, approach as close as possible from the curb.
- Use hand signals: For left turns, extend your hand and arm horizontally. For right turns, point your hand and arm upward. For a stop, point your hand and arm downward. When an arm signal is impractical, lane positioning, as well as a head turn and eye contact are typically sufficient.
- Remain at the scene of a crash: Bicyclists involved in a collision that causes injury, property damage, or death must immediately stop and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle crash, a Las Vegas, Nevada accident lawyer can help.
- Do not ride a bike while intoxicated: Just like drivers, bicyclists can face charges for riding on public roadways under the influence of an impairing substance such as drugs or alcohol.
Helmets
Nevada does not have a helmet law, so it is legal for people of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing one unless a municipal regulation requires helmets. However, the Nevada Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strongly encourage bicyclists to wear helmets. In 2019, 63% of bicyclists killed were not wearing helmets.
Las Vegas Bicycle Equipment Requirements
Bicycles ridden at night must have:
- A white lamp on the front that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet away.
- A red tail reflector visible from 300 feet away in a vehicle’s low beams.
- Reflective material visible from both sides of the bicycle in a vehicle’s low beams from 600 feet away, or a lamp visible from both sides from at least 500 feet away.
It is also highly encouraged for bicyclists to wear bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
Safe Distancing Law
Under NRS 484B.270, drivers must leave a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction. If the roadway does not allow three feet of safe space within the same lane, the driver must:
- Move into an adjacent lane (if available and safe), or
- Wait until it is safe to pass while maintaining the three-foot buffer.
Violating this rule can result in fines and liability if a collision occurs.
Parking Laws
Nevada law allows bicycle parking on sidewalks and streets, but only if it does not block pedestrian traffic, building entrances, driveways, or ADA ramps. Cyclists should always use bike racks or designated bicycle parking zones when available.
E-Bike Laws in Las Vegas
Las Vegas and Clark County have enacted specific electric bicycle (e-bike) laws that are stricter than Nevada’s statewide regulations.
Classification and Speed Restrictions
Clark County limits all e-bike classes to a maximum speed of 15 mph on:
- Parks and trails
- The Las Vegas Strip resort corridor
- Other designated pedestrian-heavy areas
Sidewalk and Zone Restrictions
E-bikes are prohibited from being ridden on sidewalks on the Strip and Fremont Street Experience (Downtown). Riders must dismount and walk their e-bikes through these zones. Violating these restrictions can lead to fines.
Helmet Requirements
Minors under 18 are required to wear helmets when operating e-bikes in public areas such as parks and trails. Helmets are not required for adults, but strongly encouraged for safety.
Required Equipment
In Clark County parks and designated areas, all e-bikes must have:
- A working horn or bell
- A bright front light (even during the day)
- A rear red reflector
- Functional brakes
These equipment rules apply even if the state does not explicitly mandate them outside nighttime use.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violations of local e-bike laws can result in escalating fines:
- $150 for a first offense
- $300 for a second offense
- Up to $600 for additional violations
DUI and Bicycling
Riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in serious consequences. Although the traditional DUI statute applies to motor vehicles, law enforcement officers can cite intoxicated cyclists under public intoxication, reckless endangerment, or similar laws. Cyclists may be detained if they pose a danger to themselves or others.
Bicycle Accidents and Legal Protections
In the event of an accident involving a bicycle, the following Nevada laws apply:
- Personal injury claims: Cyclists injured by negligent drivers may file personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Fault and liability: Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule. A cyclist can recover compensation even if partially at fault, as long as the cyclist’s fault does not exceed 50 percent (NRS 41.141).
- Reporting: Any bicycle crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $750 must be reported to law enforcement.
Bicycle Registration and Theft Prevention
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) does not offer a formal registration program, but using these methods can still greatly improve your chances of recovering a stolen bicycle:
- Use a third-party bike registry, such as 529 Garage or Bike Index, which are recognized by many U.S. police agencies and can help identify and recover stolen bikes.
- Log serial numbers and photos of your bike in a secure document. Keeping this information handy can speed up recovery and official reporting in case of theft.
- File a police report if it is stolen. You can do this through LVMPD’s “File Report Online” service.