Washoe County Sheriff’s Office

Now that the heat has subsided, many people are riding bicycles to work and back. This is the time of year when daylight hours diminish leaving riders to commute often in the dark. With safety in mind, Nevada Revised Statutes dictate cyclists and motorists are to abide by the same laws when traveling the streets, and here are a few other safety tips for all residents of Washoe County.

Cyclists are reminded if you are riding at night, please wear reflective gear and use a headlight to the front and red blinking light to the rear of your bicycle. This equipment is readily available at most sporting goods or bicycle stores and will significantly increase your safety on the roads. Riding with traffic on wide, less traveled streets, using signals when turning and avoiding the use of cell phones or headphones when riding help boost safety on the streets as well.

Motorists are reminded to please be cognizant of cyclists on the roads and give them ample room when passing. Many vehicle versus bicycle collisions occur at intersections and can be avoided by motorists taking the time to slow and pay attention when turning. Every vehicle has “blind spots” so remember there could be a cyclist or pedestrian nearby even if you don’t see them.

By taking the time to purchase and use reflective gear, and with a little patience and attentiveness we can avoid vehicle versus bicycle collisions and all enjoy a safe fall season.