Las Vegas, NV (March 2nd, 2025) – Bike safety advocates tout Assembly Bill 168 as a measure to significantly reduce the number of fatal bicycle accidents on Nevada roadways.
Nevada’s roads have seen a troubling rise in fatal bicycle accidents over recent years. With urban areas like Las Vegas and Reno experiencing increasing traffic congestion, cyclists face heightened risks from motorists. The Nevada Department of Transportation reports the number of bicycle fatalities occurring across the state increased 55% between 2019 and 2023.
What Are Common Causes of Fatal Bike Accidents in Las Vegas?
Across the state, 15 bicyclists were killed in accidents with motor vehicles in 2024. Numerous factors contribute to the occurrence of fatal biking wrecks in Nevada. Some of the most common of these include:
- Distracted Driving: Motorists using mobile devices or engaging in other distractions often fail to see cyclists in time to prevent collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur at intersections when drivers do not yield the right-of-way to cyclists.
- Speeding: High-speed crashes occur due to drivers traveling over the posted limits or too fast for the conditions, and are more likely to be fatal.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers pose a significant threat to all road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, who lack the exterior protection of a vehicle.
- Lack of Bike Lanes and Infrastructure: Many roads in Nevada lack dedicated cycling lanes, forcing cyclists to share lanes with fast-moving vehicles.
- Dooring Accidents: Cyclists can suffer serious or fatal injuries when drivers or passengers open car doors without checking for oncoming bikes.
The Impact of Fatal Bicycle Accidents
Beyond the loss of life, bicycle accidents place immense emotional and financial strain on families. Surviving family members often face medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income. In many cases, wrongful death lawsuits become necessary to seek compensation for these damages.
Furthermore, bicycle fatalities highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in Nevada’s road safety policies. Advocates argue that without stronger legal protections, cyclists will continue to face unnecessary risks.
Assembly Bill 168: A Legislative Step Toward Safer Roads
Despite existing traffic laws, the state has struggled to curb these fatalities. Advocacy groups and public safety officials have called for stronger legislation to enhance cyclist protections and hold negligent drivers accountable. This push for reform has led to the proposal of Assembly Bill 168 (AB 168), a legislative effort aimed at reducing fatal bike accidents and improving road safety.
The Stop As Yield Approach
A primary change proposed in AB 168 is the introduction of the stop as yield approach. This approach would change the requirements for those riding traditional bikes, electronic bikes, and e-scooters at red lights or stop signs. Rather than requiring them to stop, the bill would allow bicyclists to treat red lights and stop signs as yield signs. Therefore, after pausing to ensure the intersection is clear, they could proceed through, without coming to a full stop.
How Could AB 168 Reduce Fatal Bicycle Accidents in Nevada?
If passed, AB 168 could lead to significant improvements in road safety for Nevada’s cyclists. Advocates believe the bill’s approach could decrease cyclist fatalities by minimizing the time cyclists spend at intersections, where many accidents occur. By maintaining momentum, cyclists can navigate roads more predictably, enhancing their safety.
Opposition to AB 168
Despite its potential benefits, AB 168 faces challenges from some who have expressed concerns about its potential impact on road safety. Opposition to the bill argue that allowing cyclists to yield at stop signs might lead to confusion among motorists and pedestrians, which may increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, there are worries that this change could create inconsistencies in traffic law enforcement and compliance.
As discussions about this bill continue, all road users must recognize the shared responsibility of ensuring safer streets. Whether through legislative advocacy or everyday road awareness, efforts to protect cyclists must remain a top priority.
Improved Infrastructure and Safety Measures
While AB 168 is a step in the right direction, advocates stress that infrastructure improvements must accompany legislative changes. Adding protected bike lanes, better signage, and enhanced lighting in high-risk areas may help significantly reduce cyclist fatalities. Cities like Las Vegas and Reno have started investing in cyclist-friendly projects, but safety experts emphasize the need for a more widespread effort.
Public Education and Awareness
A critical component of reducing fatal bike accidents involves educating both motorists and cyclists about road-sharing rules. Many drivers are unaware of cyclists’ rights, leading to dangerous interactions on the road. Enhanced public awareness campaigns, driver training programs, and stricter penalties for traffic violations involving cyclists could contribute to safer roads. At George Bochanis Injury Law Offices, our dedicated bicycle accident lawyer recognizes the physical, emotional, and financial strain that bicycle-car collisions can have on cyclists and their families. For more than 30 years, we have helped fellow Nevadans injured due to the negligence of others to recover the maximum compensation for their injury-associated losses. Call 702-388-2005 for a free initial consultation to discuss your options.
