Given Las Vegas’ cycling boom, the Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition (SNVBC) has teamed up with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) during National Bike to Work Week, May 17-23, to help the growing number of bicycle commuters to “Ride Safe.”
On National Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 21, bicycle commuters are invited to pick up free gear like lights, bright colored t-shirts, helmets, and other items compliments of the two organizations. A table will be located outside of the RTC Bike Center at the RTC’s Bonneville Transit Center in Downtown Las Vegas (101 E. Bonneville Ave.) between 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
“Las Vegas is fortunate to have a visionary team at the RTC, who champions bicycle commuting and safety,” said SNVBC President Rob Hutchinson. “Bicycle commuters help to preserve our environment, and they experience health benefits from cycling. The SNVBC wants to be sure we help to keep these cyclists safe.”
“We are proud to team up with the Southern Nevada Bike Coalition on this safety campaign, providing critical information to new and experienced cyclists,” said David Swallow, RTC Deputy CEO. “Cycling is one of the healthiest, most sustainable ways to get around, whether for recreation or transportation. Our commitment goes beyond funding bike-friendly road projects to fostering partnerships like this and helping our cycling community members ‘Know Before They Go.’”
Since 1956, cyclists have celebrated National Bike Month during May, created to showcase cycling benefits and encourage more people to try biking. The SNVBC kicked off the month by announcing “Ride Safe: Know Before You Go,” an education program targeting new and existing cyclists. The second component of a three-part safety campaign rolling out in 2021, Ride Safe identifies five critical points of cyclist safety: Protect Your Head, Be Visible, Pick Bike-Friendly Routes, Be Predictable, and Ride Defensively. For more information, visit www.snvbc.org/ridesafe.
As of May 3, as part of a partnership with Skye Canyon and Southern Highlands, Ride Safe billboards appear along major streets and highways around the valley. To amplify Ride Safe messaging, SNVBC is partnering with Clark County School District’s Safe Routes to School program, RTC, local jurisdictions, and advocacy organizations like Save Red Rock and Ghost Bikes Las Vegas.
To become a member of SNVBC, visit www.snvbc.org.
To learn more about other RTC’s National Bike Month initiatives, visit rtcsnv.com/bikemonth.
