Active Transportation

Safety Tips

Biking, running and walking are some of the best ways to stay active, but before you get started, keep these tips in mind.

1. Be Safe and be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers. Wear bright colored clothing and reflective materials.

2. Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors. Stay focused and avoid distractions like wearing headphones, texting or talking on a cell phone.

3. Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you cross. Always o bey traffic signals.

 

Pedestrian Safety

• Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
• Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.
• Stand clear of busses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
• Don't rely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.

Bicycle Safety

• Use lights and reflectors.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Make sure all equipment on the bicycle is in working order (brakes, gears, tires, etc.).
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes whenever you can.
• Be predictable and use hand signals.

   

Bike Month

May is National Bike Month! Bike Month is all about highlighting the many benefits of riding a bike  and encouraging  more people to try biking. The best way to celebrate Bike Month is simply to get on a bike: ride to work, ride to the store or just ride and enjoy the scenery outside. Join us on the fun and learn more about how to celebrate Bike Month in Washoe County.

 

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Understanding E-Bikes: Safe Riding Matters

As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, crashes involving these devices have become more frequent and more severe. In 2025, there were 25 e-bike-related crashes in Washoe County, with an average rider age of 13.3 years, according to Renown Children’s Hospital. Understanding how e-bikes work and how to ride them safely is essential for preventing injuries.

E-Bike Classifications

E-bikes are categorized based on how they operate and their maximum assisted speed:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only; the motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-powered and pedal-assist; the motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only; the motor stops assisting at 28 mph.
• Out of Class: Not legal for use on public roads or trails. These e-bikes require registration, licensing, and insurance.

Important: Any e-bike can be modified to exceed the manufacturer’s intended top speed. Modifications may disable critical safety features and can violate state laws.

Why Helmets Matter

• Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head and brain injury by up to 88%.
• Helmets are required by law for Class 3 riders under the age of 18 and are strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age or e-bike class.

Choosing the Right Helmet

For the best protection:

• Look for helmets certified to NTA 8776, which are designed for higher-speed impacts associated with e-bikes.
• Helmets with MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) offer additional protection by reducing rotational forces during a crash.

For more information on e-bike safety and injury prevention, visit Renown's Pediatric Injury Prevention

Additional Resources

• American College of Surgeons (ACS): Issues Statement on the Safety and Regulation of E-Bikes