Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan: A Road Cyclist’s Comprehensive Guide to Southern Nevada
Southern Nevada is rapidly transforming into a haven for cyclists, thanks to the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada’s (RTC) 2017 Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (RBPP). This ambitious initiative strives to create a comprehensive network of safer, convenient, and accessible cycling routes across urban and suburban areas, catering to cyclists of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a casual rider or a dedicated road cyclist, the infrastructure upgrades laid out by the RTC will dramatically enhance the cycling experience throughout Southern Nevada. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the details of the RBPP, covering current cycling infrastructure, plans for future expansion, and the benefits these developments will bring to road cyclists. We’ll also discuss the safety challenges cyclists still face and why cyclists involved in accidents should seek the expertise of Lawyers 4 Cyclists, a dedicated legal team specializing in bike-related incidents in Nevada. Vision for Cycling in Southern Nevada At the heart of the RBPP is a vision for a connected, safer, and convenient cycling system that enhances both recreational and transportation opportunities for all users. The plan supports broader goals for economic development, health improvements, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to transportation. This vision is aligned with the Southern Nevada Strong initiative, a regional strategy focused on sustainable growth and long-term economic success. Key goals of the RBPP include: Safety and Comfort: Creating a network of high-comfort facilities designed to protect cyclists from traffic hazards. Connectivity: Enhancing the connection between residential areas, workplaces, parks, schools, and public transit. Health and Equity: Addressing health disparities by improving active transportation options, particularly in underserved communities. Education and Engagement: Raising public awareness about the benefits of cycling and encouraging broader participation. The ultimate goal is to make cycling a viable, safer, and attractive option for all Southern Nevadans, helping to reduce car dependency and improve air quality in the process. Current Bicycle Infrastructure in Southern Nevada As of 2017, Southern Nevada has 868 miles of bike lanes, shared paths, and bike routes. However, only about 46% of these facilities meet the “high-comfort” standards, meaning they are suitable for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. High-comfort routes include features like buffered bike lanes, separated bike lanes, and shared-use paths that physically separate cyclists from traffic, providing a safer and more enjoyable riding experience. The breakdown of current bike infrastructure in the region is as follows: Shared-use Paths (42.7%): These paths are shared by cyclists and pedestrians and are often located away from roadways, providing a safer, more scenic route for recreational riders. Bike Lanes (53.9%): These lanes are marked on roads but not physically separated from traffic, making them more suitable for experienced cyclists. Buffered Bike Lanes (3.1%): These lanes include additional space or barriers between cyclists and motor vehicles, improving safety and comfort. Separated Bike Lanes (0.2%): These lanes are physically separated from traffic by barriers, providing the highest level of safety for cyclists. Despite these existing facilities, there are significant gaps in the network, particularly in high-density urban areas like Las Vegas. Cyclists frequently face challenges such as narrow bike lanes, high traffic volumes, and intersections without adequate cyclist protections. This incomplete infrastructure has left many cyclists, particularly less experienced riders, feeling unsafe or discouraged from using the existing bike network. Future Plans for Expansion The RBPP aims to dramatically expand and improve the cycling infrastructure in Southern Nevada by adding 1,336 miles of new bike facilities. This expansion will bring the total network to 2,023 miles, with a focus on creating “high-comfort” routes that cater to all riders, including families, children, and less confident cyclists. Key areas of focus include: Increased Separation from Traffic: The plan prioritizes the construction of separated bike lanes and buffered bike lanes, particularly along major arterial roads where high-speed traffic poses significant risks to cyclists. Better Connectivity: New bike paths will be designed to connect residential neighborhoods with key destinations such as schools, parks, and employment centers, as well as transit hubs, allowing cyclists to seamlessly integrate biking with public transportation. Trail Networks: Expanding shared-use paths, especially those that provide access to scenic areas like Floyd Lamb Park and the Las Vegas Wash, will create more opportunities for recreational cyclists. Improved Safety Measures: The RTC plans to incorporate traffic-calming measures, improved lighting, and more frequent crosswalks and bike crossings to reduce the risk of accidents. When fully implemented, the RBPP will transform Southern Nevada into one of the most bike-friendly regions in the western United States. About 73% of the future bike network will consist of high-comfort facilities, compared to just 46% today. This will make it easier and safer for cyclists of all ages to navigate the region, whether for commuting, exercise, or leisure. Safety Challenges for Road Cyclists Despite the optimistic outlook, road cycling in Southern Nevada remains fraught with dangers. Between 2011 and 2015, the region experienced an alarming increase in bicycle-related accidents. Most crashes occurred on roadways with speed limits between 35 and 45 mph, where cyclists are particularly vulnerable to fast-moving traffic. Key factors contributing to these accidents include inadequate bike lanes, poor lighting, and intersections that fail to accommodate cyclists. The RBPP addresses these concerns by recommending several critical safety improvements, including: More Separated Lanes: Physically separated bike lanes will provide a buffer between cyclists and vehicles, reducing the likelihood of collisions. Traffic-Calming Measures: The installation of speed bumps, roundabouts, and other traffic-calming features will help slow down cars and make streets safer for cyclists. Intersection Upgrades: Safer intersection designs, including protected bike crossings and improved signaling, will reduce the risk of accidents at key conflict points. However, until these improvements are fully realized, road cyclists in Southern Nevada must remain vigilant and cautious, particularly when riding in high-traffic areas. Public Involvement in the RBPP Public participation has been a crucial element in the development of the RBPP. The RTC has conducted extensive outreach to gather input from cyclists and other stakeholders, ensuring that the plan reflects the needs and desires of the community. More