The recent F1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 saw the Las Vegas government introduce a variety of tourist and citizen-unfriendly measures. While some were only temporary solutions to protect the racers, some seem to be here to stay.

In November, local lawmakers introduced a measure that would ban pedestrians from stopping on the Vegas Strip’s multiple pedestrian bridges. While no one believed the measure would pass, the Clark County Commission voted in favor of the restriction.

As a result, people who stop on one of the Vegas Strip’s pedestrian bridges for any reason, risk misdemeanor charges, a $1,000 fine and up to six months in prison. This doesn’t only apply to the bridges themselves but to the vicinity of the stairways, escalators and elevators as well.

The original measure applied to all people standing still but thankfully, an amendment fixed the rule so that people waiting for the elevators and escalators do not risk charges.

The argument in favor of the measure is that big events often cause congestion of people that can expose people to the dangers of terrorism and prevent authorities and emergency personnel from accessing and crossing the bridges easily.

The police, for example, have trouble crossing the pedestrian bridges to maintain order during such events, which is why proponents of the measure believe that it is necessary.

However, during most of the year, the measure will prevent water sellers and artists from doing business on the bridges. It would also prevent people from taking photos of the Strip.

Once a reality, the restriction will be communicated to pedestrians via signs at the affected sites.  

The Measure Will Result in Litigation, Opponents Believe

As one can imagine, a lot of people are unhappy with the measure, which they believe is unconstitutional. According to Athar Haseebullah, the executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, no one who supports the First Amendment should support this measure.

Haseebullah added that if the measure passes, it will surely result in litigation. He slammed the “buzzwords” which seek to make the measure appeal less restrictive than it actually is. Despite that, the Clark County Commission was far more inclined to accept the narrative that this measure would protect the safety of pedestrians.

However, the commission has no start date for the new regulation as of yet.

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A controversial new ordinance by the Clark County Commission seeks to solve the rising issue of pedestrian traffic jams on the city’s iconic walkways. Despite recent measures to improve traffic flow during the F1 Grand Prix, passersby stopping to sneak a peak at the race caused significant problems, motivating this newest proposal. However, this move faces substantial public scrutiny and may prove unlawful.

The F1 Grand Prix Highlighted Walkway Deficiencies

Las Vegas’ newest ordinance aims to establish “pedestrian flow zones” encompassing bridges and areas within 20 feet of adjoining escalators, stairs, and landings. Pedestrians within these zones would be prohibited from stopping, standing, or engaging in activities that impede movement or cause others to stop or stand, improving traffic across such chokepoints.

Clark County, the governing body of the Strip, justifies this move by emphasizing its interest in ensuring safe pedestrian access along the bustling Las Vegas. The proposal’s timing suggests a response to recent crowd behavior during events such as the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which saw bridges packed with pedestrians trying to catch a glimpse and record the race.

To combat the issue of passersby clogging the pedestrian bridges, event organizers installed view blocks on several key junctions. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful as hopeful fans paused in search of a vantage point. Ironically, the crossings were constructed to alleviate pedestrian traffic, but recent data suggests they may be doing more harm than good.

Vegas Must Rethink Its Approach to Infrastructure

UNLV’s Department of Criminal Justice highlights that bridges were responsible for a significant percentage of disorderly behavior cases. These chokepoints also frequently face issues related to unhoused individuals, raising public safety concerns. The pedestrian bridge closest to the MSG Sphere has caused the most problems as pedestrians regularly pause to film the colossal external screen.

Despite Clark County’s ostensibly good intentions, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) raised concerns, noting the ordinance could violate the First Amendment’s right to assemble. While acknowledging its impact on free speech, the Vegas authorities contend that the surrounding sidewalks would leave ample space for such activities without restricting the affected flow zones.

An upcoming public hearing on 5 December will offer a platform for public input and potential revisions. Clark County has proven willing to acknowledge feedback and cooperate to find the best solution. However, the issue highlights Las Vegas’ intensifying infrastructure problems. While local authorities take frequent steps to alleviate car and pedestrian traffic issues, a long-term solution would likely require a complete overhaul of the current system.

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