Bicycle rides in Las Vegas may not be the first thing most people imagine when they’re planning a trip to our world-famous city. But if you’re someone who prefers to experience a city on two wheels rather than from within a vehicle on four, rest assured. You can bicycle Vegas and enjoy the ride. Just keep these safety tips in mind when bike riding in Vegas.
What to Know About Bike Riding in Vegas
As in any city, knowing the local laws will help ensure a safe experience.
When bike riding in Vegas, keep the local traffic laws in mind. Nevada law classifies bicycles as vehicles, so when you bicycle Vegas streets, make sure to observe traffic laws as if you were driving a car.
In addition to using the appropriate turning lanes and obeying traffic signals and signs, you must use hand signals before turns to alert drivers around you of your intentions.
Additionally, pedestrians have right of way, so when you bike ride Las Vegas, make sure to yield to those on foot. Some parts of Las Vegas, such as the Las Vegas Strip, see more foot traffic than many US cities due to tourism. Tourists are often less aware of their surroundings and less purposeful when walking than locals, so it’s up to you to stay alert as you navigate busy areas.
Las Vegas is not a notably bike-friendly city. As you plan your bicycle rides in Vegas, spend time researching areas with bike paths or more bicycle-friendly roads.
Vegas drivers are also less used to bicyclists than drivers in other cities, so take extra care with your physical safety. Legally, you don’t have to wear a helmet while bike riding in Vegas, but head injuries can be life-changing or fatal and only take one wrong move by either a bicyclist or a driver, so we strongly advise you to wear an appropriate helmet.
Bicycle Vegas Safely
If you’re coming to Vegas from out of state, you may not aware of how extreme the weather conditions can be. Las Vegas temperatures can rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
To prepare to bike ride Las Vegas in these conditions, dress appropriately, in cool, sweat-wicking materials. Make sure you carry water and be aware of where you can purchase more if needed. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and pay attention to how you’re feeling while bike riding in Vegas; take frequent breaks to cool down and hydrate.
Finally, the daytime UV index in Las Vegas is often extremely high as well. Sunburn and sun cancer pose very real risks. Before you bicycle Vegas, stock up on a water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen that’s at least SPF 50, with broad spectrum protection.
When getting ready for bicycle rides in Las Vegas, apply your sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas of skin. Reapply every couple of hours, or more often if you’ve been sweating heavily or wiping it off. Consider supplementing your sunscreen with UPF-rated clothing for additional sun protection.
While bike riding in Vegas isn’t the most common resident or visitor activity, bicycle rides in Vegas can be rewarding. Have fun seeing the sights from a different perspective as you bicycle Vegas safely.
