LAS VEGAS (AP) — Officials in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, have taken steps to make roads safer for cyclists following a fatal accident in December in which a truck hit and killed five bicyclists.
County commissioners have proposed an ordinance that would allow bicycles in the middle of the road under certain conditions on county roadways. Under the proposal, cyclists must stay to the right of the road except when going the speed limit, turning left, passing a fixed object or when the right side is unsafe.
Commissioner Justin Jones, who is spearheading the effort, said the proposal is meant to give cyclists a safe option to get around obstacles or make a left turn.
“Obviously, the recent tragic death of five individuals really forced all of us to take a look at what the things that are most effective at ensuring that cyclists are safe, and this really was a primary issue and something we could do at the county level,” Jones said.
But some drivers say the ordinance could cause more issues and put more people at risk.
“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,” Las Vegas resident Oscar De Leon said.
The ordinance is expected to be discussed at a public hearing on Feb. 16.