TRAIL ETIQUETTE & RIDING SAFELY
Trailblazers is dedicated to promoting safety while enjoying your bike commute, leisurely walk or ride on streets, paths and trails. If you’re curious about general bike and pedestrian safety, right-of-ways and even state and local laws, you’ve come to the right place.
Proper Helmet Fit
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Measure your head. Choose an appropriately sized helmet.
Make sure the helmet is level on your head, with the front resting about two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
Center the buckle under your chin.
Adjust the sliders on the side straps so that it sits just below and in front of your ears.
Snap the buckle together and adjust all straps so the helmet fits snugly. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the strap and the underside of your chin.
Wiggle your head. Does the helmet stay put? If so, then you're ready to roll. If not, make the appropriate adjustments until it does.
ABC QUICK CHECK
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Determine the psi (pounds per square inch) rating for your tires (stamped on the tire’s sidewall) and make sure they are properly inflated. Over-inflation and under-inflation can increase the risk of getting a flat during your ride.
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If your bike has disc brakes, make sure the rotor passes smoothly through the caliper. Test your front and back brakes by standing next to your bike and rocking it back and forth while compressing each brake lever. If either one feels soft or doesn't engage, investigate. Never touch brakes after riding downhill as they are hot. If your bike has traditional rim brakes, ensure that the pads are not too worn down.
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Grab both cranks and pull away from the bike. If it feels loose, tighten it. Make sure your chain is free of debris and build-up. If it's dry, dusty, or rusty, apply chain lube.
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Ensure that your quick release levers are closed, as they keep your wheels attached to the fork and frame. If you can't find them, don't worry; not all bikes have quick releases. Some use bolts to secure the wheels to the bike.
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Give the whole shebang a once-over. Take the bike by the handlebars, lift it a few inches off the ground, and let go so it bounces a few times. The bike should feel tight, with no loose parts. If something sounds or feels loose, investigate.
If there's a problem you can't diagnose, or if you find something wrong that you can't fix yourself, take your bike to the mechanics at your local bike shop.
Gravel Riding Tips
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Lower tire pressure.
Make sure you have correct drop bars for your riding position. Long-distance comfort is key.
Know your water options along the route. Bring what you need.
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• Spare tube (or two)
• Tire levers
• Pump and/or Co2 inflator
• Tire plugs / tire boot
• Chain tool and quick links
• Multitool
• Map (either paper or on your device)
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Greenway & Paved Trails Etiquette
For up-to-date laws pertaining to bicycles, consult your city/county or the Arkansas Code directly. Electric bicycles, electric scooters, and motorized wheelchairs are permitted on the Razorback Greenway and other shared-use paved trails. Other motorized vehicles are prohibited. Most applicable laws can be found in Title 27.
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Yield to others when entering or crossing the trail
Faster trail users should yield to slower traffic
Move off the trail when stopped to allow others to pass
Bicycles Stay to the Right and Pass with Care
Look ahead and behind before passing
Ring a bell or give a clear verbal warning by saying “passing” or “on your left” before passing other trail users
Yield to oncoming traffic when passing
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Always wear a helmet when riding a bike
Use bicycle lights and reflectors after dusk
Use hand signals to indicate a turn
Trail speed limit is 15 MPH in most cities. Always maintain control of your speed
Watch and listen for others
Approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend
If parking at a trailhead, lock your car and stow valuables out of sight before you leave
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Stay on the trails to protect vegetation and minimize erosion
Keep trails litter free by carrying out anything you bring in
Do not ride on wet or muddy nature trails
Avoid locking wheels and skidding on steep trails. Dismount and walk your bike. Do not disturb wildlife
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Keep all pets on a leash within four feet of you
Pick up pet waste
Soft Surface Trail Etiquette
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Take care of the environment by incorporating Leave No Trace Principles
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Most soft-surface trails in our region are multi-use, meaning you will share the trails with people walking, hiking, trail running, and even the occasional horseback rider. Please be mindful, slow down, say hi, and pull over for people on foot and horses, and always yield to uphill riders.
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If it says “Closed” or any other sign indicating you shouldn’t be riding, then find another trail. We have hundreds of miles and there will be plenty to choose from.
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For your safety and others, ride within your limits. Pre-ride, re-ride, free ride.
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Use one of those fancy mapping apps, let someone know where you are riding, make sure you have supplies and tools for both your bike and your body in case of emergency.
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Please be respectful of the wildlife around you and try not to disturb them more than necessary. Do not feed any wild animals.
Rules of the Road — State and Local Laws
Refer to the League of American Bicyclists for more information on the rules of the road, riding tips, and bike maintenance.
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Bicycles are not considered vehicles under Arkansas state law. (§27-49-219)
However, cyclists have all the rights and duties applicable to drivers of motor vehicles (§27-49-111) UNLESS a right or duty applicable to a driver of a vehicle cannot by its nature apply to a person operating a bicycle. (note Act 650)
27-51-1801(1), concerning the definition of a "bicycle", is amended to read as follows: (1) “Bicycle” means a human-powered vehicle: (A) With two (2) or more wheels in tandem, designed to 26 transport by the act of pedaling one (1) or more persons seated on one (1) or more saddle seats on its frame; and (B) Used on a public road, bicycle path, crosswalk, or right-of-way; and SECTION 2.
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All bikes must be equipped with a front white light and a rear red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet. A red reflector may be used instead of a rear light. However, a rear light will increase visibility.
Since § 27-49-111 applies would § 27-36-204 not apply addition to § 27-36-220. This means you don't just have to have lights on the bicycle, you have to turn them on a 1/2 hour before and after dusk and dawn respectively.§ 27-49-111
Fayetteville actually requires the light to be used just in case the AR laws don't.
And so does Springdale.
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Arkansas state law does not require that bikes be equipped with bells.
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Arkansas does not require that bicycles be equipped with brakes.
Some cities, however, such as Fayetteville and Springdale, require brakes. Sorry, fixie lovers
Fayetteville required equipment rule.
Springdale required equipment.
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Arkansas Code § Title 27, Chapter 51, Subchapter 18, is amended to add an additional section to read as follows:
Operation of a bicycle upon crosswalk. (a) A person operating a bicycle upon a crosswalk shall: (1) Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians; and (2) Give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. 2 (b) Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, a person lawfully operating a bicycle upon a crosswalk has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian using the crosswalk under § 27-51-1202.
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Arkansas state law does not require the use of a helmet for bicycle riders(but we think it's a good idea to wear one!)
Helmets are required for riders of Class 3 e-bikes under 21 years of age.
Rogers also states "Helmets required for all bicycle riders"
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As of 2017, Arkansas state law defines three types of e-bikes and regulates their use.
An e-bike is a bike with pedals and a motor capable of putting out no more than 750 watts.
Class 1 - an e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the operator is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20mph
Class 2 - an e-bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the e-bike and that is incapable of providing assistance when the e-bike reaches 20mph
Class 3 - an e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the operator is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28mph
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed, whereas Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on roadways (except in special circumstances).
Helmets are required for riders of Class 3 e-bikes under 21 years of age.
Persons under 16 years of age may not operate a Class 3 e-bike. However, persons under 16 years of age may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike that is designed to accommodate passengers.
eBikes - All good. However,Bella Vista limits trail use to Class 1.
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Because laws or ordinances can change without notice, it's always good to know where to find them. Here are links to a few local cities:
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An “Idaho stop” is slang for when cyclists are allowed to treat stop signs as yields and red lights as stop signs. Act 650 was signed into law on April 2019, and requires bicycle riders to slow down when approaching a stop sign, but they don’t have to stop unless it’s necessary. Cyclists must yield to any pedestrians who might be at the intersection.
In regard to red lights, the cyclist must come to a complete stop but may proceed through the intersection once traffic is clear. For more information on “Idaho stops”” click here.
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Motorists wishing to pass a cyclist proceeding in the same direction on a roadway must do so at a distance of not less than three (3) feet.
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Arkansas state law does not prohibit riding a bike on the sidewalk. However, if you choose to do so, please be considerate of pedestrians and cautious of drivers who may be entering/exiting driveways that intersect with the sidewalk.
Some cities, such as Bentonville, prohibit riding on the sidewalk. In Fayetteville, you may ride on the sidewalk unless the sidewalk abuts a building.
In Springdale, no bicycles are allowed in the downtown business district (bound by Huntsville Avenue(N)/ Watson Avenue-Quandt Avenue-Caudle Avenue(S)/Highway 265-Old Missouri Road(E)/Pleasant Street(W). An exception is sidewalks along collector or arterial streets when designated as a bicycle route, namely the Razorback Greenway. The city requires yielding to pedestrians and audible signal prior to overtaking. Based on the Springdale Lane Use Plan the central business district and downtown district are the same.
In Fayetteville, riding on sidewalks requires yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians and using an audible signal before overtaking. Not on sidewalks that abut a building, would endanger pedestrians, or where prohibited.
Siloam Springs - No bikes on sidewalks anywhere in the city.
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Arkansas does not restrict cyclists to the use of bike paths only.
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§27-51-403 is another instance of a law that technically applies only to vehicles. However, in accordance with §27-49-111, cyclists should also comply.
Cyclists must indicate their intention to turn left, turn right, stop, or slow down by using the appropriate hand signals, unless it is unsafe to do so (e.g., if a pothole impels you to keep both hands on the bars). Click here to learn more about hand signals.
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Cyclists must ride on the right-hand side of the roadway, in the same direction as traffic.
We recommend giving preference to streets and roads with a 25mph speed limit, whenever possible.