LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Making roads safer for cyclists. That’s the goal of a proposed change in Clark County to allow bicycles in the middle of the road under certain conditions.
This change is spearheaded by Commissioner Justin Jones and is meant to give cyclists a safe option to get around obstacles or make a left turn, but some drivers see it as causing more issues.
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If you drive around the valley, chances are you may find yourself sharing the road with cyclists. Many of them face obstacles getting around on the right shoulder.
“Whether it is cones or roadway warning signs, those things cyclists need to avoid as well, so they don’t run into it,” Robert Hutchinson, incoming president of the Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition, said.
Under a proposed change to the county ordinance, cyclists will be allowed in the middle of the road, under certain conditions like if they’re making a left turn or feel the right lane is not safe. It’s a change Hutchinson believes will help.
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“Ideally they’re supposed to stay as far to the right as possible but if they need to for safety reasons or need to turn left, they are able to use that lane legally,” he said.
However, some drivers aren’t thrilled with the idea, saying it’s too risky for everyone on the road and could slow down traffic.
“It becomes too risky for a bicyclist to get from the outside lane to a left turn lane, especially out here with the streets being so wide,” Oscar De Leon, who lives in Las Vegas, said.
Hutchinson says he understands why drivers may be hesitant about the possible change but says any slow up in traffic would be short.
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“Really we’re talking seconds to give them a little bit of time and the bottom line is we’re all in this together,” he said.
This proposed change in the county ordinance will be discussed at a public hearing on February 16.
