With pedestrian and cyclist fatalities up over 2020, the cycling advocacy group urges all road users to do their part to slow the number of collisions in Southern Nevada.
At the end of Q2, 2021, Clark County’s pedestrian fatalities were up 21.43 percent over last year, while bicyclist fatalities were up 400 percent, according to Nevada’s Department of Public Safety.
When Clark County School District’s (CCSD) more than 320,000 students go back to school Monday, August 9, it’s estimated that 4 percent or 12,800 kids will use a bicycle as transportation, according to a 2019 survey that included parents from 52 CCSD schools. The survey also found an average of 22.5 percent or 72,000 students will walk to and or from school.
Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition issues a reminder to motorists to Change Lanes for Bikes to protect Clark County’s youth.
For Drivers
Nevada is one of 33 states to enforce a 3-Feet law and is one of five states to specify that motorists should move into an adjacent lane to the left if the lane is available when passing a cyclist. Especially when driving through residential areas and school zones, SNVBC urges motorists to remain mindful of students riding or walking to and from school.
For Students
SNVBC also recommends that students commuting via bicycle practice the five critical points of cyclist safety in SNVBC’s “Ride Safe: Know Before You Go” program. Those are: Protect Your Head, Be Visible, Pick Bike-Friendly Routes, Be Predictable, and Ride Defensively.
SNVBC partners with Clark County School District’s Safe Routes to School program and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). Both offer resources to residents to help them find bicycle-friendly routes. More information is also available at www.snvbc.org/ridesafe.
Just as we ask motorists to consider cyclists’ presence on the road, kids riding their bikes to school should practice these five points of safety to help protect themselves, parents and students can reference resources online to map the most bike-friendly route for students riding to school.
Rob Hutchinson, SNVBC’s president
Hutchinson says SNVBC can help CCSD parents experiencing financial hardship to secure a helmet for their children. Those interested in receiving a helmet should contact [email protected].