A PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO HELP ACHIEVE ZERO COLLISIONS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 14, 2021) The Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial (LVCM) announces the launch of Change Lanes for Bikes. It’s the Law! a public awareness campaign aimed to educate motorists and cyclists about Nevada’s 3-Feet/Move Over passing Law (NRS 484B.270). 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. The campaign’s goal is to achieve zero collisions, ending traffic fatalities of cyclists. More information is available at www.lasvegascyclistmemorial.com.
“In 2020, many bike retailers in Las Vegas sold out of inventory during the pandemic. This means we have more people than ever riding on the road for recreation and transportation,” says Keely Brooks, Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition (SNVBC) president; the organization spearheading the campaign and is part of the LVCM alliance. “If the message to “Change Lanes” is top-of-mind, people can make better choices on the road and help to achieve a rate of zero collisions.”
According to the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration, in 2018, there were 857 cyclists killed by motorists, up 6.3% from 2017. In Nevada, 35.6% of overall traffic fatalities are pedestrian and bicycles1. If motorists are found at-fault in a collision with a cyclist or pedestrian, motorists may be charged with reckless driving. Other penalties include a driver’s license suspension. (NRS 484B.280)
LVCM is an alliance of advocacy groups working together to create lasting change and offer relief for the families of the LV5; the cyclists lost on Dec. 10, Aksoy Ahmet, 48, Michael Murray, 57, Gerrard Nieva, 41, Erin Ray, 39, and Tom Trauger, 57.
About Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial
The Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial (LVCM) is an alliance of cycling advocacy organizations working to establish safer cycling in Southern Nevada and offer support for families of the local cyclists killed in traffic accidents. LVCM works with local and state lawmakers to create innovative solutions to transform Nevada into a cycling-safe state. Organizations include Breakaway Cycling, Ghost Bikes Las Vegas, Save Red Rock, and Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition. For more information, visit www.lasvegascyclistmemorial.com.
1 Source: The National Conference of State Legislatures
2/LVCM Launches Change Lanes for Bikes. It’s the Law! Campaign
About Breakaway Cycling
Breakaway Cycling believes that riding a bicycle can be a healthy, sustainable, therapeutic, and activating transportation tool to benefit people of all ages. Breakaway Cycling is the community cycling team encouraging kids to perform better at school and live healthier lives by riding bicycles. We activate our mission by collaborating with aligned public/private entities, hosting bike rodeos/ giveaways, and growing our donation pipeline as a 501c3 charity.
About Ghost Bikes Las Vegas
Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner and as quiet statements in support of cyclists’ right to safe travel.
About Save Red Rock
Save Red Rock Canyon CDC 501c3 is a nonprofit organization working to preserve the safety, serenity, and scenic nature of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Save Red Rock strives to protect the rural character and prioritize recreational and environmental needs over other uses not conducive to the primary uses as determined by the public and the NCA’s mission. For more information, visit www.SaveRedRock.com or connect with Save Red Rock on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition
Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to advocate for safer roadways, better trails and more biking opportunities in Southern Nevada. For more information, please visit www.snvbc.org or connect on Facebook.
