Bicycles and Vehicles
Many University of Nevada Reno students ride their bikes around campus. With school back in session, bicycles and vehicles need to be cautious.
Problems Around Campus
UNRPD Assistant Chief, Todd Renwick said that UNR has “a very low number of bicycle crashes” reported. “It doesn’t mean that it is not happening, just that it is not being reported.”
Renwick, said that the major hazard with bicycles around campus is that they go way to fast.
Renwick said that, “operating a bicycle is just like operating a motor vehicle. You have to be cognizant of all traffic laws, speed limits and you have to remember that you are almost invisible, so you really have to pay attention to your surroundings when riding.”
Bicyclists can receive citations for traffic violations.
Riders Experience
Laura Rothstein has been hit three times by a car while riding her bicycle. The first time someone rolled through a stop sign. The car didn’t stop, only a teenager poked his head out the car.
The second accident happened by a coffee shop on 7th street. Rothstein said that she didn’t get hurt but that the driver continued “to the drive-thru to get their coffee. They didn’t care.” The last accident was the worst when someone struck her on the side, but they got out of the car to see if he was okay, which she was.
The second and third accident happened on the same day “it was a horrible day,” Rothstein said.
Rothstein says that both she and the drivers were responsible. While drivers need to be more cautious of bicycles, she admits that “I probably shouldn’t have been going so quick and jumping off curbs, and riding in and out of traffic.”
Although Rothstein has been in several bicycle accidents she said, “when you ride all the time your chances go up and so I’m being more careful, but I’ve been fine. I’m still riding my bike.”
Tips for Riders
Scott Hall, board of directors member of Reno Bike Project has been riding since he was five years old. Hall says that bikes should follow rules of road and be a part of the traffic. To be seen better stay off sidewalks and wear lights at night.
Laura Rothstein adds that while “it is fun riding with your head phones and sometimes not very comfortable riding with a helmet, but it smart to ride with a helmet.”
Rothstein says that it is important to always be away and watch for cars, even if you are safe. “Be aware,” Rothstein said. “Always stop when you come up to a stop signs and watch for other drivers. Rothstein says you need to be especially careful “when you are on campus because a lot of people are focused on different situations and issues in their life and not necessarily watching. Always look behind you, double look. Look left, right, left, then go.”
Tips for drivers
Hall says that bikes are a vehicle, so pass like any other slow vehicles. Wait for congestion to pass, and then move into other lane or side of lane. Hall adds, “try not to honk behind” bicycles.
Assistant Chief Renwick said that “once you are on campus you have to realize that there is a heavy amount of bicycle traffic so before you make a turn, looking around and make sure nothing is in you blind-spot.”
Renwick said that although you may be able to see a vehicle passing you it is hard to tell when a bicycle is passing. “You really have to pay attention that’s the best advice I can give,” Renwick said.
Hall says that Reno Bike Project is “looking forward to expanding the bike lanes and bike friendly nature of traffic in Reno. We hope to have more people riding their bikes to and from work, the store, to school. That includes everyone.”
