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 bicycle 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.