Nebraska’s Bicyclist & Pedestrian Laws

When crossing in an intersection with either a marked or unmarked crosswalk, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk unless the pedestrian suddenly leaves a curb or place of safety and moves into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the vehicle to stop. (60-6153)

If crossing a road at a location other than an intersection, pedestrians must yield to drivers.

When applicable, a pedestrian should always wait for a crossing signal to “turn on”, which may require pushing a pedestrian crossing button.

If a usable sidewalk is provided, a pedestrian must not walk on the road or shoulder.

If there is no usable sidewalk, a pedestrian walking along and upon a road must stay on the shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway. If there is also no shoulder, the pedestrian shall walk as near as practicable to the edge of the roadway and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway. (60-6,156)

Nebraska defines a vulnerable road user to include (but is not limited to) a pedestrian who is on a road, working near a road, in a crosswalk, or on a shoulder.

Nebraska does not have a law that requires bicyclists to wear helmets.

Bicyclists in Nebraska are required to use a front headlight at nighttime, have a rear red reflector, and may use a rear red light in addition to a red rear reflector.

Bicycles must have operational brakes at all times.

Bicyclists must ride as near to the right-hand side as practicable.

Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians.

Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers, such as, honoring stop signs and traffic signals.

When crossing in an intersection with either a marked or unmarked crosswalk, drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists lawfully in the crosswalk unless the bicyclist suddenly leaves a curb or place of safety and moves into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the vehicle to stop.

When applicable, a bicyclist should always wait for a crossing signal to “turn on”, which may require pushing a pedestrian crossing button.

Nebraska defines a bicyclist as every device propelled solely by human power, upon which any person may ride, and having two, three, or four wheels any one or more of which being more than fourteen inches in diameter; and an electric bicycle” (60-611).

Drivers must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists who are lawfully within a marked crosswalk.

Drivers are required to slow down and, if possible, change lanes when approaching all vulnerable road users, which includes both pedestrians and bicyclists. If a driver is unable to change lanes, they must provide the vulnerable road user at least three feet of space. (60-6378.02)

Drivers should avoid honking at the vulnerable road user when passing unless the vulnerable road user appears incapacitated. (60-6,109)

Drivers must honor the stop lines at intersections and not stop within crosswalks.

Drivers must not drive or park within bike lanes.

Drivers must only pass a vulnerable road user when the roadway allows, similar to passing a car. A driver should avoid passing on hills or other areas with minimal sightlines to oncoming traffic.

Drivers should always look twice before making a turn, especially a right-hand turn.