Nevada school children invited to take part in ‘Nevada Moves’ activities in March

CARSON CITY – As an annual event, Nevada Moves promotes safe walking and biking to school, as well as other physical activity. Walking and other physical activities are planned for Clark, Washoe, Carson City, Lyon, Douglas, Storey and other school districts across the state again this year, primarily during mid-March. Families whose children are not taking part in organized school events are encouraged to plan safe walking or bicycling activities as a family during Nevada Moves Month and throughout the year.

In just one recent year, more than 6,600 students took part in walking and other school-sponsored Nevada Moves Day events.

“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,” NDOT Active Transportation Manager Mathew Morris explained. “Walking and bicycling to school helps reduce the number of vehicle trips near schools; this increases safety, reduces congestion, improves air quality and encourages healthy habits from a young age.  Increased physical activity at an early age plays a leading role in reducing heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses.  We hope families statewide use Nevada Moves as an opportunity to walk and bicycle together, and to teach children pedestrian and bicycle safety and its health and environmental benefits.”

During Nevada Moves Month and every day, drivers should watch for children walking and bicycling to school or a neighborhood bus stop and be mindful of school zone speed reductions, as well as varying school start times. Motorists should also only pass bicyclists when it is safe, with at least three feet of space between the bicycle and vehicle, and they should never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. Pedestrians and bicyclists should only cross streets when safe and always look for vehicles before and while crossing. Per state law, no u-turns or passing are allowed in active school zones or school crossing zones.

To learn more, contact NDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator Chantelle Ewing at (775) 888-3065 or cewing@dot.nv.gov. 

PEDESTRIANS/BICYCLISTS

• Plan your route.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.
• Stay visible. Wear light and bright-colored clothing. If you must be out at night, wear reflective clothing. 
• Stay alert. Put your phone down and do not wear headphones.  
• Walk on sidewalks. If no sidewalks are available, ensure a safe distance between yourself and passing vehicles and walk facing traffic.
• If riding in the street, please ride with traffic, obey traffic laws and use proper hand signals. Children can ride their bicycles on the sidewalk. 
• When possible, cross at a crosswalk. Only cross when safe to do so. Make sure all cars have stopped before crossing. 

DRIVERS

• Always drive attentively and obey the speed limit.
• When approaching crosswalks, reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
• Stop for pedestrians and bicyclists and wait for them to cross completely.
• Never pass a car that has stopped at a crosswalk.
• When passing a bicycle, please allow for at least three feet of clearance between the vehicle and bicyclist.
• Be responsible and never drive distracted or impaired.