SPARKS, Nev. (KOLO) – While it may seem illegal to ride a bicycle on most Nevada interstates, state law actually permits cyclists on certain sections under specific circumstances — a nuance that has come into focus following a fatal collision on I-80.
On Jan. 24, Nevada Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash on westbound I-80 just east of Vista Boulevard in Sparks, where an adult male riding a bicycle was struck by a vehicle. The driver, witnesses say was in a blue Kenworth semi-truck, fled the scene. The truck and driver have since been located.
The incident raises questions about where bicycles are legally permitted on interstate highways — and where they are not.
State Law and Local Variations
Nevada state law prohibits bicycles and pedestrians from most interstate highways in urban areas, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation. However, exemptions exist in rural areas where alternative routes are unavailable…