Nevada families are being encouraged to lace up their shoes and hop on their bikes this March as the state launches its annual Nevada Moves Month. The initiative, spearheaded by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), aims to promote safe walking and bicycling, particularly for students traveling to and from school and to foster a more active lifestyle for residents across the Silver State.
Activities are planned in school districts throughout Nevada, including Washoe, Carson City, Lyon, Douglas, Storey, and Clark counties, with a primary focus during mid-March. But participation isn’t limited to organized school events. NDOT encourages all families to incorporate walking and biking into their daily routines throughout the month – and beyond – as a way to improve health, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance air quality.
Promoting Safety and Healthy Habits
The push for increased pedestrian and bicycle activity comes as NDOT highlights the benefits of active transportation. According to NDOT Active Transportation Manager Mathew Morris, “Nevada Moves provides an opportunity for children and families to learn more about pedestrian and bicycling safety and to include walking and bicycling into their daily routine.” Morris emphasized that walking and biking to school can significantly reduce vehicle traffic, leading to safer routes for students, decreased congestion, improved air quality, and the promotion of healthy habits from a young age. He added that early physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
In a recent year, over 6,600 students participated in walking and biking events organized as part of Nevada Moves Day, demonstrating the program’s reach and impact. The initiative isn’t just about getting kids active; it’s about creating a culture of safety and awareness for all road users.
Sharing the Road: A Reminder for Drivers, Pedestrians, and Cyclists
As Nevada Moves Month gets underway, NDOT is issuing a reminder to drivers to be particularly vigilant for children walking and biking, especially near schools and bus stops. Drivers are urged to adhere to school zone speed limits, be mindful of varying school start times, and exercise caution when passing cyclists, maintaining a minimum of three feet of space. State law prohibits U-turns and passing in active school zones and school crossing zones.
For pedestrians and bicyclists, NDOT recommends planning routes in advance, always wearing a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard, and ensuring visibility with light or reflective clothing, especially during low-light conditions. Staying alert and avoiding distractions like phones and headphones is also crucial. Pedestrians should utilize sidewalks whenever available and face traffic when sidewalks are absent. Cyclists are reminded to ride with traffic, obey all traffic laws, and employ hand signals to indicate turns.
Resources and Contact Information
Families interested in learning more about Nevada Moves Month and safe routes to school can contact Chantelle Ewing, NDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at (775) 888-3065 or [email protected].
Nevada Moves Month isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a call to action for a healthier, more sustainable future. As the program continues to gain momentum, NDOT plans to expand its outreach efforts and collaborate with communities across the state to create safer and more accessible environments for pedestrians and cyclists.
The next update regarding Nevada Moves Month initiatives and participation numbers is expected in late April, following the conclusion of the primary event period. We encourage readers to share their experiences and photos of Nevada Moves Month activities in the comments below.
