Guiding Principles

·    Increase awareness of the positive benefits of bicycling for students, staff, and faculty of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

·    Provide a comprehensive and practical strategy for improving bicycle utilization on and around the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith campus in cooperation with the City of Fort Smith.

·    Encourage bicycling as a mode of transportation by providing convenient and secure bicycle parking facilities.

·    Improve safety through dissemination of information and providing classes on safe bicycle commuting.  

·    Improve the quality of life for visitors, faculty, staff, and students through increased exercise, recreation, and environmental sustainability.

Specific Target Goals for Bicycle Committee 

Develop Basic Guidelines Regarding Biking on Campus

Make the Guidelines Available in a Brochure, Online, and in Student Handbook

Sponsor One Bike Related Event Each Semester

Offer Bicycle Safety Skills Classes

Add 40 New “Artistic” Bike Parking Spaces Yearly Until Saturated

Increase Ridership to 10% of Students/Staff Within 3 Mile Radius

Work With City to Enhance Bike Routes Within 3 Mile Radius of Campus

Continue to Develop a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan as Bicycle Use Grows

Bicycle Guidelines

Bicycles are considered a legitimate means of individual alternative transportation and recreation, and as such are encouraged on UA Fort Smith properties.  The following guidelines will increase safety and interaction between bicyclist and pedestrians on campus, and between bicyclists and automobiles off campus.  (As applicable, the on campus guidelines also apply to other forms of alternative transportation/recreation such as skateboards).

T.H.R.E.E. Reasons to Bike

·     T.ransportation – you need to get somewhere

·     H.ealth – you need to get in shape

·     R.ecreation – you need to have some fun

·     E.conomics – you need to save some money

·     E.nvironment – you need to save the planet

ON CAMPUS (i.e., sidewalks)

You Should realize that bicycles always yield the right of way to pedestrians.

You Should alert a pedestrian when approaching from the rear by calling “On your left” or “Passing on your left.”  Warnings may also be done with a bell or horn. 

You Should operate your bicycle at speeds that are reasonable and prudent. Within 20 feet of a pedestrian, speed should be no more than 5 mph (that’s fast walking speed).

You Should walk bikes on sidewalks and in other pedestrian areas if it is too crowed to ride safely.

You Should secure your bike to designated bicycle parking facilities with a high quality lock.

You Should keep your hands free of items such as books or notebooks while riding.  Use a rack or backpack to carry items.  Not doing this is a leading cause of crashes.

You Should only ride on campus sidewalks or roadways, and not ride inside any campus buildings, nor on the lawn or landscaped areas, as well as avoiding any outdoor architectural features such as benches, retaining walls, handrails, etc.

You Should only carry a passenger when the passenger is riding on a separate seat attached to the bicycle.

You Should always maintain control of your bicycle and avoid riding in a way that potentially endangers yourself or others.

You Should only operate a bike, as with other vehicles, while free from the influence of alcohol or drugs.  

OFF CAMPUS (plus on campus parking areas/roads)

The most important part of safe bicycling is being predictable. That means following rules, whether they are laws or "just how bikes always behave." On the road, you are part of traffic, so some rules are in your best interests.  In general:

“Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.”

You Should realize that a bicycle is considered a vehicle and as such is subject to all the provisions of the Arkansas Vehicle Code applicable to the operation of vehicles when riding on public roadways. 

You Should use your head and wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.

You Should do an “ABC Quick Check” to ensure your bike is in proper working order before setting out on a ride. (Air, Brakes, Crank/Cassette, Quick Release axles, Check ride for a short distance).

You Should be visible.  Bright colored clothing increases visibility dramatically.

You Should use lights at night.  Not only a good idea, it’s the law.

You Should ride with traffic, not against it.

You Should scan all directions at intersections.

You Should pay attention to stop signs and red lights even if you are late for class.

You Should use hand signals for turns and stops.  Let other drivers know what you are going to do.

You Should ride four feet out from parked cars to avoid being doored. People hunker down and hide in those cars to throw doors open in front of you.

You Should use sidewalks with extreme caution and only when necessary. Car drivers don't expect you from there at an intersection or at driveways, so be ready to yield to turning cars.

You Should take a bicycling traffic skills course to improve your safety when riding on the road.