Bicycle advocates push back against SB183 restrictions on access to roads
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY Greg Haas, 8 NEWS NOW
Read here: Bicycle advocates push back against SB183 restrictions on access to roads
Advocates for bicyclists pushed back as legislation to keep them off highways was discussed on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 183, sponsored by Republican Senator Joseph Hardy would prohibit access for bicyclists, electric bicycles and electric scooters on roadways with speed limits at or above 65 mph. The bill would also outlaw the practice of riding more than two side-by-side on roadway shoulders.
Advocates said the legislation penalizes bicyclists rather than addressing the problem of impaired drivers. The proposal would take away cyclists’ access to 4,400 miles of roadway in the state following a December DUI crash that killed five cyclists.
“We appreciate Senator Hardy’s effort to protect cyclists in Nevada, especially after the Dec. 10 tragedy,” said Rob Hutchinson, Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition president. “We believe in education over restrictions. SNVBC will work with the senator and committee members to devise a plan to educate drivers on how to interact with cyclists on roadways and instituting better testing on the driver’s license exam and refresher courses.”
The Dec. 10 crash that killed five cyclists on U.S. Highway 95 between Boulder City and Searchlight has brought heightened attention to safety, particularly in light of increased bike sales during the pandemic.
“Rather than restricting cyclists, what Nevada needs to prevent another serious tragedy like the one on Dec. 10 is increased enforcement of distracted and DUI motorists,” says Pat Treichel, founder of Ghost Bikes Las Vegas.
“As we work to rebuild our state’s economy post-pandemic, Nevada’s outdoor recreation is more important than ever,” says Stephanie Forté, Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition. “While the bill is wrapped with good intentions, SB 183 negatively impacts cycling tourism by making it illegal to ride designated bicycle touring routes like U.S. Route 50, a thoroughfare for cyclists. It also dramatically decreases cycling opportunities for Nevada residents, which impacts our quality of life.”
Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones also said the bill does not address the real problem.
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NATIONAL MONUMENTS PROTECT COMMUNITIES AND ECONOMIES
The NVOBC is disappointed in the "Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act" introduced by Rep Mark Amodei (NV-02) and Rep Celeste Maloy (UT-02).
The proposed legislation would strip presidential authority to designate national monuments, which would in turn damage economic opportunity for outdoor recreation communities. It is a gross misconception that public land limits economic opportunity- A report from Headwaters Economics shows the consistent improvement of local economies in communities with National Monuments.
"The study found no evidence that designating these national monuments prevented economic growth. Instead, trends in key economic indicators such as population, employment, personal income, and per capita income either continued or improved in each of the regions surrounding the national monuments."
-The Economic Importance of National Monuments to Communities
The NVOBC urges Representatives Amodei and Maloy to reconsider the effect this legislation will have on rural and outdoor communities.
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The NVOBC is excited to share some content from our member Silver Tree Films!
Silver Tree Films is a Las Vegas based production company directed by native Las Vegan Benjamin C Robertson. They have experience filming in Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah, Washington, and Poland. Primarily, Silver Tree Films makes films, short films, commercials, documentaries, sports related material, website videos, and photography. They work hard to make the highest quality product for their clients.
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Looking forward to this great discussion!
2 years ago, @POTUS signed the biggest climate investment in history - and it's working! It's boosting outdoor recreation, creating good jobs, improving public health, & cutting climate pollution! Let's continue to build on these achievements! #ClimateWinsHere #OutdoorRecreation
Lee Canyon opens downhill mountain bike park for summer, fall seasons https://news3lv.com/features/arc-las-vegas/lee-canyon-opens-downhill-mountain-bike-park-for-summer-fall-seasons
Starting this Friday, May 24th Lee Canyon will be transitioning to our summer hours... Open 7 days a week from 10a to 6p!