3 Foot Passing Rule becomes law in Nevada
Jeff Illig was a veteran, a dedicated mail carrier for over 30 years in Reno, and a passionate cyclist. On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Jeff was tragically killed in a fatal hit-and-run crash while riding in the bike lane near South McCarran Boulevard and West Plumb Lane in Reno. The loss has left his family and community heartbroken, as Jeff was known for his kindness, commitment, and positive spirit.
Jeff’s son Nick now faces the daunting prospect of leaving his job in Japan to return to Reno multiple times to settle his father’s estate. The sudden loss has upended Nick’s life, forcing him to navigate travel costs, legal fees, and the many expenses associated with managing his father’s affairs. The financial strain is compounded by the risk of losing his job, making this already difficult time even more challenging.
Nick and his mother Melany are healthy, community-minded individuals whose unwavering faith in humanity has been shaken by Jeff’s tragic death and the circumstances surrounding it. With your support, the guiding light of Jeff can continue to shine for Nick and Melany, helping restore their faith and guiding all of us toward a safer and more compassionate future. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference as they navigate these challenging times.
All donations are tax deductible with 501c3 not-for-profit Nevada Bicycle Coalition as the pass through organization (EIN: 39-2067469). We are waiting on our Charitable Giving Fund approval. NevadaBike.org.
VERY pleased our state, did not stay in the “dark ages” on this issue! I have been interested in this issue since Mr. Bob Mionske
spoke of it last year at the Tour De Nez.
I am ordering my jersey now! Hopefully California and Arizona will follow us for a change!
Thank you to all of those involved!
Why is it the drivers responsibility? How about a law that tells the damn bikers to stay within 6 inches of the curb and not in the middle of the lane with the cars!!!
I couldn’t agree more. I was just discussing the lack of enforcement for laws against cyclists who don’t use the proper lanes, go against the traffic, do not stop for lights and stop signs.
It’s the driver’s responsibility because he’s in control (hopefully) of a 3,000+ lb. weapon and it takes virtually no effort for him to brake and/or change lanes to avoid crushing a bicyclist.
For a bicyclist, 6 inches from the curb is a pretty dangerous place to be. The road is typically broken up there so it makes a bicyclist weave and bounce around, scaring the motorist as well as the bicyclist. Riding that close to the curb also encourages motorists to pass when there isn’t really enough room to pass safely. Better is 2 to 3 feet from the curb where a bicyclist can ride a straight and steady line.
Bicyclists are allowed the use of the whole lane when they are traveling at the same speed as the surrounding traffic, otherwise they should avoid impeding traffic except when to do so would be more dangerous.
Well said sir. Education is the key.
Actually, the law states that cyclists are only required to state as close to the right as “practicable”. NRS 484.509 Operating bicycle on roadway.
1. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall, except:
(a) When traveling at a lawful rate of speed commensurate with the speed of any nearby traffic;
(b) When preparing to turn left; or
(c) When doing so would not be safe,
ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
Most motorists do not see all the obstacles in the road that cyclists do – glass, tire fragments, rocks/sand, cracks and potholes, etc. They also don’t recognize that it is dangerous for cyclists to pass parked cars. More than one cyclists has been injured or killed by a driver opening a door in front of a cyclist passing. As a cyclist AND a motorist, I try to be respectful and safe no matter what I am driving.
@ Terry,
Will there be some kind of activity (booth, etc…) at this years Tour De Nez?
No plans to at this time.
This law sounds awful. It is difficult to enforce and in some instances could be dangerous. What about areas where the bicyclists are riding up a two lane road where there is no bike lane going a lot slower than the other traffic. Is a car supposed to cross the yellow line just to pass? The bicyclist shouldn’t be there in the first place. The law should not punish drivers in all cases as it is not always their fault. The whole situation should be solved with education and more bike lanes not with punishment.
That’s right, ncwv, you wait until there’s an appropriate break and you may come close or even cross that center line.
When I drive my car (pretty infrequently at this point in my life)it’s how I approach the cyclist. Until we have bike lanes on all the major roads (eg: Plumas St….) it is just a fact of driving in Reno. I would hope the safety of a fellow community member would be a higher priority than wherever someone happens to be traveling to in their car. Before I rode my bike everywhere I found myself disgruntled at bikers. You should hop on and see it from our perspective for a week.
“Bicyclists shouldn’t be there in the first place.” ?
Cyclists are allowed to ride wherever cars can drive (minus specific highway sections). Vehicles need to be aware, and perhaps even try to have some respect for someone who chooses to use alternative modes of transportation to the gas-guzzling norm.
On a side note, I do wish police would crack down on people who ride facing traffic. It is dangerous to me and them, both as a driver AND as a cyclist.
This is not always possible. Ever see bicyclists on Pyramid Highway, north of Pebble Creek? There is no official “bike lane” – only a 1-foot wide wide swath of asphalt. No way I’d ride a bike on that road, yet many do. I think it suicidal, frankly.
Why all the legality? What about common sense and respect.. Why can’t a 4,000 pound car or truck give at least some common sense consideration to an 16 pound bike?
Why, indeed? The problem is that common sense and respect are not common enough and motorists were free to determine what a safe distance is. Many times that was much, much less than 3 feet. The previous law required motorists to pass at a safe distance. This law answers the question, “Can you be more specific?”