We want you to be safe while riding a bike on the A-State campus and in the surrounding Jonesboro area.
Safety Equipment
Helmets
For your safety, wear a helmet – most bicycle crashes are solo, and your helmet can prevent serious head injuries if you fall. This includes on your personal bicycle or on the campus bike share. According to national statistics, helmet use reduces the odds of a head injury by half.
Clothing
Loose fitting clothing works best when riding, and if riding for longer distances, clothing that will wick moisture away from your skin.
Visibility is extremely important for cyclists. Wear clothing that will make you stand out to other vehicle operators. Reflective vests are recommended, particularly in the early morning and late evenings.
Night Time Riding
The state of Arkansas requires a white headlight on the front and a red reflector or light on the rear of any bicycle operated within 30 minutes prior to sunrise, 30 minutes prior to sunset and throughout the night. It is highly recommended to have reflective clothing
Vehicular Cycling
Along with the League of American Bicyclists and the local Northeast Arkansas Bicycle Coalition, Arkansas State advocates that operators of bicycles follow the guidelines of the LAB’s Smart Cycling safety curriculum.
Using the PAC Paths
Pedestrians and cyclists are not required to use the campus separated paths, but they are highly encouraged to do so. While the campus has a pedestrian-friendly 20 mph speed limit for vehicles, individuals are safest when using the separated paths, particularly where the width of the roadway or travel lanes is narrow along University Loop.
People riding bicycles must yield to pedestrians on PAC Paths, and must announce themselves either verbally or with a bell when passing pedestrians. Cyclists should pass runners and walkers on the left, same as if they were a vehicle passing.
State Bicycle Traffic Laws
In the state of Arkansas, bicycles should operate as vehicles. Be sure to review the state highway department’s safety publication.
Bicycles ride right on the right side of the road with the flow of vehicular traffic. In the state of Arkansas, they are not required to ride as far to the right edge of the road.
Vehicles are required by state law to provide a minimum of three-foot spacing when overtaking a bicycle on the road.
In 2019, the state of Arkansas adopted new laws to allow people on bicycles to regard stop signs like a yield, and a stop light as a stop sign, when other traffic is not present. To learn more about the “Arkansas Stop”, click here.
In 2021, cyclists were added to the protected users of crosswalks. While people on bicycles must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, they no longer have to dismount to use a crosswalk. In Arkansas, all vehicles must yield to those in a crosswalk.
It’s illegal of ride against traffic – on the left side of a roadway. National crash statistics show it’s not safer to face cars – in fact, it’s one of the leading causes of bicycle-car crashes.
Other important traffic laws that relate to bicycle riders:
- You have to signal your turns using standard hand signals.
- And at night, you must have a white headlight and a red tail light or red reflector.
- While you have a right to the lane, be mindful of other traffic and consider alternative routes on less trafficked roads.
