State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would let people in wheelchairs use designated bike lanes to get from here to there.
Democratic St. Sen. Mo Denis is sponsoring the bill. Under the provision, people in wheelchairs could use bike lanes if a sidewalk is not available or passable. People in wheelchairs would have to yield the right-of-way to people on bicycles.
Denis told KNPR's State of Nevada that the issue was brought to his attention when a constituent in a wheelchair told him about getting a ticket when he moved onto the road to get around a blocked sidewalk.
The lawmaker said the point is not to allow people on wheelchairs to use bike lanes all the time.
“The intent is not for motorized wheelchairs to always go in the bike lane this is just to clarify the law that would allow them to go around the obstacle and still be within the law,” Denis explained.
Supporters of the bill said it would help wheelchair users get around quickly and that areas without sidewalks are often difficult to navigate.
St. Senator Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas
