Bicycling is becoming increasingly popular in Arkansas, be it for recreational riding along trails like the River Trail and Big Dam Bridge for recreation and fitness, commuting to work or shopping by bike, or more “enthusiastic,” fast-paced riding on the open roads.
As the number of cyclists on the road increases, the potential for road user conflicts also increases. Usually, conflicts between road users are caused by misunderstandings as to the rules of the road and the responsibilities of each user.
Motorists and cyclists both have rights to the use of public roadways, but with those rights come responsibilities.
To help everyone understand their rights and responsibilities on the road, we invite everyone to view the following videos.
Advice for Motorists — How to Drive With and Around Cyclists:
Advice for Cyclists – Riding in Traffic:
We would like to extend a special thanks to Robert Mionske, of BicycleLaw.com for giving us permission to post these videos.
Did you know that Arkansas has a statute specifically addressing passing bicycles on a public roadway? ARK. CODE ANN. § 27-51-311 provides:
(a) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway shall exercise due care and pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than three feet (3′) and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.
(b) (1) A person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100).
(2) A person who violates this section with the violation resulting in a collision causing death or serious physical injury to the person operating the overtaken bicycle shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) in addition to any other penalties prescribed by law.
When a motor vehicle and a bicycle collide, the results can be tragic regardless of who may have been at fault. At Scholl Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we urge everyone to be courteous and safe on our public streets and highways.