Many people prefer buying bicycles in Nevada since it is an opportunity to work on their fitness and save money commuting. The hot summers are also a great reason to invest in a quality bicycle, allowing you to get your exercise in and enjoy the sun. However, you must prioritize bicycle safety since accidents can be fatal or send you straight to the emergency room. Nevada bicycle laws are in place to protect cyclists and other motor vehicle drivers on the road.
Let’s consider a quick overview of Nevada bicycle laws.
Nevada Bicycle Laws – An Overview
There is a long list of bicycle laws in Nevada that you must consider if you’re an avid cyclist who spends a lot of time on the road. Let’s consider an overview of the ones you need to keep in mind.
1. Cyclists Caught Cycling Under the Influence Will Not be Prosecuted Under DUI Laws in Nevada
Nevada’s bicycle laws differ from the laws in other states in America. If you’re a cyclist caught driving under the influence, you will not be fined or prosecuted under DUI laws. Instead, you will face criminal charges under a separate law. For example, you may collide with a pedestrian or run through a red traffic light and injure yourself or another, which may be classified as reckless endangerment. Depending on the severity of the issue, you could be sent to jail for up to 5 years or be forced to pay a heavy fine of 2000 USD.
If you’re an avid cyclist who frequently commutes in Nevada, you should avoid riding your bike while under the influence. This protects you from getting into unnecessary accidents and endangering someone else’s life as well as your own. However, if you’re not at fault, you can secure compensation from the guilty driver.
2. Bicyclists Are Not Legally Required to Wear Protective Helmets When Biking in Nevada
Although it is not part of the law for bicyclists to wear protective helmets and other safety equipment when riding their bikes, it is recommended that they do so. This is because wearing helmets can protect riders from injuring their heads, which could lead to brain damage or a concussion.
Accidents are always more dangerous for cyclists since they are unprotected and face the brunt of the damage from a collision, especially when motor vehicles and motorbikes are concerned. However, some essential bicycle laws and safety rules are in place to maximize road safety, such as proper braking systems, bicycle seats, and handlebars.
3. Bicycles Must Obey All Traffic Laws in Nevada
Despite bicycles not being classified as vehicles in Nevada, bicyclists must still obey all traffic rules to ensure their own safety and others’. Cyclists are subject to the same ramifications as other drivers if they violate traffic or road laws, leading to fines or more severe prosecutions. For example, cyclists cannot run red traffic lights or ignore stop signs since that is also prohibited for everyone else. When turning left or right, bicyclists must indicate to other drivers that they are switching lanes, preventing fatal accidents.
To maximize your safety, you should always follow all traffic rules since they are in place to protect you from injury and not put your accident on someone else’s conscience. Car-bicycle accidents are not uncommon in Nevada, and you do not want to incur a catastrophic injury due to your negligence. For this reason, failure to comply with essential traffic laws results in severe penalties for the guilty party following a post-accident investigation.
4. Bicyclists Must Follow Safety Rules When Cycling in Poor Visibility or at Night in Nevada
If there is low visibility or you are biking at night, bicycle laws in Nevada require you to have a strong headlight that signals others a minimum of 500 feet away from you. Similarly, you are expected to have red-colored rear reflectors and reflective strips that increase your bicycle’s visibility to other drivers at night.
Red reflectors must offer a visibility range between 50 and 300 feet, and the reflective strips must also provide visibility between 500 and 600 feet. If you’re caught riding your bicycle without these essential safety features, you will likely be fined since it increases the chances of an accident.
Who to Call Following a Bicycle Accident?
You may get into a bicycle accident despite following all traffic rules and wearing protective equipment. If you’ve sustained any injuries, you should contact a competent law firm specializing in bicycle-related personal injury cases.
The Bourassa Law Group has a team of experienced lawyers that will work diligently for your bicycle-related personal injury case, ensuring you can reach a fair settlement. They will consider your unique situation and gather all the necessary evidence to help you build a strong case. Reach them at (0800)870-8910 to book a free consultation.
1-800-870-8910