Lyon County Sheriff’s Message of the Week on June 6, 2025

Message of the Week 06/06/2025

Warm weather means motorcycle riders are in abundance on our roadways and highways. Street Vibrations, a regional motorcycle event, also begins today, and significantly increases the number of motorcycles on the road, especially in the Reno area. Moundhouse and Dayton do see a significant increase in motorcycle activity as well. Both motorcyclists and motorists need to follow all traffic laws and be aware of each other at all times.

To be alert for motorcycles, drivers should always check blind spots and mirrors, give motorcycles the full width of a lane, and allow extra following distance. Motorcyclists should also wear high-visibility gear and follow speed limits, and be aware that they are more vulnerable on the road.

Tips for Drivers:

Check blind spots and mirrors:

Before changing lanes, merging, or pulling into an intersection, always check mirrors and blind spots to ensure no motorcycles are present.

Give motorcycles the full width of a lane:

Don’t cut off motorcycles, and allow them adequate space to maneuver.

Allow extra following distance:

Motorcycles can stop more quickly, so provide more space behind them to allow for maneuvering or stopping in an emergency.

Be aware of non-canceling turn signals:

Many motorcycle turn signals are not self-canceling, so be cautious if you see a signal left on.

Avoid distractions:

Never drive distracted or impaired, as this can significantly reduce awareness of other vehicles, including motorcycles.

Yield to motorcyclists:

Be prepared to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists, especially when turning.

Tips for Motorcyclists:

Wear high-visibility gear:

Make yourself easily seen by other drivers by wearing bright clothing and using reflective materials.

Use a DOT-compliant helmet:

Always wear a helmet that meets DOT standards for safety.

Follow speed limits:

Obey traffic laws and never exceed the speed limit.

Ride defensively:

Assume that other drivers may not see you, and be prepared to react to potential hazards.

Complete a motorcycle rider education course:

This can improve your riding skills and awareness of road conditions.

Lane splitting, the practice of motorcycles moving in between lanes of traffic, is illegal in Nevada. It’s prohibited under Nevada Revised Statutes 486.351(2), which prohibits passing another vehicle within the same lane, including between moving or stationary vehicles. While lane sharing (two motorcycles riding side-by-side in a lane) is legal, lane splitting is not.

Today also marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day. The courage and bravery it took to storm the beaches and bring the fight to the enemy is immeasurable, and as Americans, we should make sure to always remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on D-Day and every other day to ensure our freedoms.

Respectfully,

Sheriff Brad Pope