Cycling safety in Arkansas
Crash data
4 cyclist fatalities in 2024 .
In 2024, 4 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Arkansas (about 1% of the state's 603 traffic deaths), per IIHS Fatality Facts, which is based on NHTSA FARS data. A clean statewide bicyclist-injury count was not confirmed from an official source, so it is left null.
Official reports & data:
- IIHS Fatality Facts โ deaths by road user type and state (bicyclists, 2024)
- ARDOT โ Bicycle & Pedestrian program
- NHTSA โ Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data (national fact sheet, PDF)
Cycling rules in Arkansas
- Helmets
- No statewide helmet law for regular bicyclists; however, Class 3 e-bike operators and passengers under 21 must wear a CPSC-compliant helmet (Ark. Code 27-51-1706). (source)
- Passing distance
- Drivers overtaking a bicycle must pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet (Ark. Code 27-51-311). (source)
- Sidewalk riding
- No statewide statute; sidewalk riding is governed by local city ordinances, so rules vary by community. (source)
- E-bikes
- Arkansas uses the 3-class system under the Electric Bicycle Act (Ark. Code 27-51-1701 to 1706). Class 3 riders must be at least 16, and operators/passengers under 21 must wear a helmet (27-51-1706). (source)
- Lights/reflectors at night
- At night a bicycle must have a front white light visible at least 500 feet and a rear red light visible at least 500 feet; a red rear reflector may be used in place of the rear light (Ark. Code 27-36-220). (source)
- Direction / where to ride
- Bicyclists ride with the flow of traffic and, when slower than traffic, keep as near to the right as practicable; ARDOT's Share the Road program covers rider positioning and rules of the road. (source)
- Stop-as-yield ('Arkansas Stop', Act 650 of 2019)
- Bicyclists may treat a stop sign as a yield โ slowing and proceeding when clear after yielding to pedestrians and traffic โ and may proceed through a steady red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding (Ark. Code 27-51-1803). (source)
Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.
Resources
- ARDOT Bicycle & Pedestrian program
- ARDOT Share the Road
- Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas (advocacy nonprofit)
- League of American Bicyclists โ Bicycle Friendly States rankings
Bike-friendly destinations in Arkansas
Ride these with the rules above in mind:
In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide โ