Cycling safety in Nebraska

Crash data

4 cyclist fatalities in 2024 .

In 2024, 4 bicyclists were killed on Nebraska roads (source: IIHS Fatality Facts state-by-state tables, which are compiled from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System / FARS). NHTSA's national 'Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data' report shows Nebraska in the low single digits for pedalcyclist deaths, so this is low-count data that fluctuates year to year rather than a trend. A clean, current statewide bicyclist serious-injury total was not confirmed here, so it is left null rather than estimated.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Nebraska

Helmets: There is NO statewide helmet law in Nebraska, and the state has no local helmet ordinances either — Nebraska is one of the states with no bicycle helmet law at any level. Helmets are still strongly recommended. (source)
Passing distance: Nebraska has a 3-foot passing law: a driver overtaking a bicyclist must leave a safe distance of no less than three feet of clearance. A 2025 Vulnerable Road User update (LB 530 / LB 647; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,378.02) additionally requires drivers to move at least one lane away when a second lane in the same direction is available, or to slow and pass with due care when it is not. (source)
Sidewalk riding: State law does not broadly authorize or ban sidewalk riding; it governs on-roadway position and leaves sidewalk use to local ordinance. Several Nebraska cities restrict sidewalk riding in business/downtown districts — check the local code (e.g., Lincoln, Omaha). (source)
E-bikes: Nebraska uses the 3-class e-bike system (LB 138, 2023; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-618.03). All classes must have fully operable pedals and a motor of 750W or less: Class 1 = pedal-assist to 20 mph, Class 2 = throttle to 20 mph, Class 3 = pedal-assist to 28 mph. E-bikes are treated as bicycles, so no registration, license, or title is required. (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: When ridden at night a bicycle must have a front lamp visible at least 500 feet ahead and a DMV-approved red rear reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet to the rear; a red rear lamp visible 500 feet may be added but does not replace the required reflector (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,318). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Ride with traffic. A cyclist moving slower than traffic must ride as near to the right-hand edge as practicable (with exceptions for turns, hazards, and substandard-width lanes), and must ride single file on the roadway — two-abreast riding is allowed only on paths or roadway sections set aside exclusively for bicycles (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,317). (source)
Stop-as-yield (Idaho stop): Nebraska has NOT adopted a stop-as-yield / 'Idaho stop' law. Bicyclists must stop for stop signs and red lights and otherwise obey traffic control devices like other vehicles. (source)
Rules of the road (bikes as vehicles): A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties of a driver of a vehicle, including hand signals for turns and stops; Nebraska's DUI law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196) is enforced against impaired operation, so do not ride drunk. (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in Nebraska

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →