Recently, a fatal bicycle accident occurred near the 1800 block of West Craig Road in North Las Vegas. The accident took place when a woman, riding her bicycle along the sidewalk outside the shopping mall, was struck by a vehicle that was exiting the mall. The woman was pronounced dead on the scene.
The accident highlights some of the dangers faced by bicyclists in the Las Vegas area. Although Las Vegas boasts more than 180 miles of bicycle lanes, the scene of the accident does not have a marked bicycle lane, nor is it a designated "bicycle compatible" area. The woman may have been riding on the sidewalk in an effort to stay safe -- although riding on the sidewalk in Las Vegas is in fact illegal -- and the car likely did not consider the possibility of a bicyclist when it approached the road.
Safer Cycling in Vegas
Las Vegas bicyclists should of course follow the rules of the road, but also remember that doing so doesn't necessarily mean they will be safe. Bikers must be vigilant and always on the lookout for cars, and must ensure that the cars are aware of them.
Before going anywhere in the city, bicyclists can download the RTC's bicycle route map, which shows which area streets have bike lanes, are designated bike routes, or are bicycle compatible, meaning they have at least 14 feet between the lane line and the lip of the curb.
When biking at night, the law requires a front headlight and a rear reflector. Better still is a rear light, and riders may also wish to wear a lightweight biking jacket with reflective tape. And of course, everyone should always wear a helmet.
Not All Bicycle Accidents are Preventable
A bicyclist in traffic must adhere to the same laws that the automobile drivers must follow. Yet in a collision with a car, it's the cyclist who is at much greater risk of injury, although often it is the driver of the car who is at fault.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney who can discuss your legal options.
