Bicycling through the strip

So I've been looking to throw in some fun exercises as well as for profit. I live very close to the strip and sometimes I like to walk around casinos for scouting. Instead of driving everywhere, I prefer to bike. I had some questions regarding this:

1. Safety - It seems the strip is the most dangerous place for non-drivers. Any tips/tricks to avoid looking like road pizza? I don't like wearing flashy crap but nighttime riding would dictate I wear a vest or something.

2. Parking - I've never seen a bicycle parking area in any strip casino. I preferably would like to come back to my bicycle when I leave an area so what are some ways to ensure that. Also I would like to know if anyone knows of bike racks on the strip.

3. Bicycle - Last bike I had it was stolen so I haven't bought one since like 10 years ago. I know how to ride but don't know anything about 18 speeds, disc brakes, and all that fancy jazz. I just want something cheap that runs, so can I just go to Walmart and grab something?

I lived a block off the strip my first two and a half years living in Vegas 2009-2012, and at the time did not own a car by choice, and rode my bike a lot. Vegas in general is not a very bike friendly city, compared to the east coast city where I came from, but the strip area is really bad. I would say very bike un-friendly. I did ride down to Silverton, South Point and even M resort a few times. It's a little better once you get away from the strip area.

After two years I broke down and got a car. And then, wouldn't you know, 3 months after that, I won a car. lol Vegas, like a lot of western cities is spread out and a car is really almost a must, although I hate driving in Vegas. I let my housemates and business partners do all the driving. Plus I like being chauffeured around. :) The only time I like to drive is when we get outside of Vegas into the rural areas.

Quote: djatc

I prefer to bike.

If you were my son I wouldn't let you. If you can walk, walk. If not, drive. The negative EV of being a cyclist in an accident far outweighs anything positive that can occur. I would surmise Vegas has a disproportionate amount of impaired driving....

Quote: djatc

So I've been looking to throw in some fun exercises as well as for profit. I live very close to the strip and sometimes I like to walk around casinos for scouting. Instead of driving everywhere, I prefer to bike. I had some questions regarding this:

1. Safety - It seems the strip is the most dangerous place for non-drivers. Any tips/tricks to avoid looking like road pizza? I don't like wearing flashy crap but nighttime riding would dictate I wear a vest or something.

2. Parking - I've never seen a bicycle parking area in any strip casino. I preferably would like to come back to my bicycle when I leave an area so what are some ways to ensure that. Also I would like to know if anyone knows of bike racks on the strip.

3. Bicycle - Last bike I had it was stolen so I haven't bought one since like 10 years ago. I know how to ride but don't know anything about 18 speeds, disc brakes, and all that fancy jazz. I just want something cheap that runs, so can I just go to Walmart and grab something?

If looking for a chaep bike , go on cragslist. Ibought my last 2 bikes on Craigslist. Trek Soho 3.5, retails 750, picked up for 400. Also bought a Trek Navigator 300, retails 450, got it for 200. Alot nice bikes for sale on craigslist. You can spend alot less then me and still get a solid bike. Dont get a Wallmart bike, those are not built to last. A good solid bike should last a lifetime. A good solid bike in a bike store is about 250 and up and used on Crailist 100 to 150 and up. Stick with a solid manufacturer such as Trek, Diamondback , ect that are sold in bike stores and buy one on Craiglist. Alot of people buy nice bikes intending on riding alot, after a couple years of the bike gathering dust, they sell them. Both of mine were several years old but hardly used.

I used to ride my fixed gear everywhere till I was hit by a car. It is really rewarding to commute while exercising and saving money. I'm just not sure it is worth it.

Personally, I wouldn't ride in Vegas. There's gotta be a large number of half-drunk drivers distracted by the sights near the strip.

Athletes like to play at casinos. City should be friendlier to people who like to do some exercise. Reno has an excellent cycle paths ( not being confused with psychopath ). It goes right through the midtown, tree lined road, next to the river and view of the mountains. Quite picturesque.

I agree the strip looks dangerous especially at night. You may do better using Koval or some other parallel route but I am not sure that is any better. I will defer to the Vegas locals on that.

If you decide to do it, get a solid bike, either new from a bike store or used on craigs list. You don't need anything fancy if you don't want it. Whether you buy new or used visit a bike store to get an idea what frame size you need. If your frame doesn't fit it will never be comfortable no matter how you adjust it.

If not a bike maybe roller blades. I'm thinking it's kind of too crowded on the Strip sidewalk except late at night or early morning.

Quote: djatc

1. Safety - It seems the strip is the most dangerous place for non-drivers. Any tips/tricks to avoid looking like road pizza? I don't like wearing flashy crap but nighttime riding would dictate I wear a vest or something.

I would recommend lots of flashing lights and go when traffic is as light as possible. Another option would be right at sunrise, when traffic is light and you won't need the lights.

Quote:

2. Parking - I've never seen a bicycle parking area in any strip casino. I preferably would like to come back to my bicycle when I leave an area so what are some ways to ensure that. Also I would like to know if anyone knows of bike racks on the strip.

I don't know of a single one, and I've looked, lots of times. I would chain your bike to the handrail of a staircase in any parking garage. I've done that lots of times without problems.

Quote:

3. Bicycle - Last bike I had it was stolen so I haven't bought one since like 10 years ago. I know how to ride but don't know anything about 18 speeds, disc brakes, and all that fancy jazz. I just want something cheap that runs, so can I just go to Walmart and grab something?

Maybe a Walmart bike then. Thrift stores or garage sales should be considered. I have a couple old bikes I could sell, but you'd have to come out to Summerlin to get it. The buses have bike racks.

Quote: djatc

2. Parking - I've never seen a bicycle parking area in any strip casino. I preferably would like to come back to my bicycle when I leave an area so what are some ways to ensure that. Also I would like to know if anyone knows of bike racks on the strip.

You could get a folder. You fold it and put it in a bike bag. If no place to chain it, just carry it with you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNpSMpqlkMA

another kind and put in a bag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w34j9YUTvgo&feature=player_detailpage

Its a good idea in theory, but a dumb idea in reality. Never going to happen for any long period of time. Sure you will be dedicated to it for a few weeks, the novelty will wear off you will be back to the gaymobile. It you want exercise, make the time and go do it. Also, you will shoot your eye out, If you know what I mean.

Wear some leg weights or something while you are scouting, that could help.

Quote: AxelWolf

Its a good idea in theory, but a dumb idea in reality. Never going to happen for any long period of time. Sure you will be dedicated to it for a few weeks, the novelty will wear off you will be back to the gaymobile. It you want exercise, make the time and go do it. Also, you will shoot your eye out, If you know what I mean.

Wear some leg weights or something while you are scouting, that could help.

All that sounds great but sounds gay. I think the bike will be great for little trips in and out. I hate parking the car on the strip since it's hard to find an opening, and then having to walk all over to the elevator when a bike I could just park near the entrance.

I am worried about getting hit though. Probably some dumb tourist watching the Bellagio fountains will run me over..... hopefully if I live it'll be lawsuit city. And also uh oh better get Maaco.

Quote: djatc

I hate parking the car on the strip since it's hard to find an opening, and then having to walk all over to the elevator when a bike I could just park near the entrance. .

And where do you plan to lock it up?

I can't see the casino allowing you to lock it to a tree on there land. Fence..... same thing. Never saw a bike rack the few times I have been there. It surely isnt going to get locked on the strip part will have to be out back somewhere.

Having been in a bike accident back in my younger days( 30 years ago) I can tell you its not fun. A old fella 65 yrs old not paying attention decided to make a left hand turn in front of me .... i left dents in his passenger side door and cleared the car landing on the roadway the other side of the car. To this day my upper back reminds me of this day. Now consider how many of those drivers on the strip are tourist not paying full attention to the cars around them let alone some idiot trying to bike on the strip. Every corner you go across will be like a short game of russian roulette ...good luck

Quote: coilman

will be like a short game of russian roulette ...good luck

Well it's settled then.

Quote: AxelWolf

Its a good idea in theory, but a dumb idea in reality. Never going to happen for any long period of time. Sure you will be dedicated to it for a few weeks, the novelty will wear off you will be back to the gaymobile. It you want exercise, make the time and go do it. Also, you will shoot your eye out, If you know what I mean.

Ok, I would like to clarify some of these terms? "back to the gaymobile"? what is a gaymobile? I thought a Prius was 'the gaymobile', but that doesn't seem to fit in this context, so what are we talking about? Where can I get one? lol

I am totally lost on the eye reference. ??

Quote: djatc

All that sounds great but sounds gay.

Now this terminology seems strange to me. Aren't 'great' and 'gay' sort of synonyms? lol