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.
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.
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:
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.
Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as vehicles, which means:
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.
Bicycles ridden at night must have:
It is also highly encouraged for bicyclists to wear bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
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:
Violating this rule can result in fines and liability if a collision occurs.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the event of an accident involving a bicycle, the following Nevada laws apply:
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: