Riding a bicycle is an ideal physical activity. Cycling is a fantastic aerobic exercise that gives your heart, lungs and blood vessels a powerful workout. You will find yourself breathing more deeply, working up a sweat and experiencing a healthy rise in body temperature, all of which contribute to a higher level of overall fitness. Consistent cycling offers numerous health benefits, including enhanced cardiovascular fitness, greater muscle strength and flexibility, improved joint mobility, reduced stress, better posture and coordination, stronger bones, lower body fat, disease prevention / management and a decrease in anxiety and depression.

Biking at a moderate speed of 12 to 13.9 miles per hour will cause a 155-pound person to burn 298 calories in 30 minutes. At a faster rate of 14 to 15.9 miles per hour, a person of the same weight will burn 372 calories.

That’ s not news to folks in Northwest Arkansas, named one of the Top 25 Places for Bikes in the United States by Outdoor Magazine. With 63 % of adults owning at least one bike and 33 % reporting riding in the past year, bikes are everywhere. A significant portion of riders( 72 %) report riding at least three days per month, with a notable number( 12 %) riding 20 or more days per month. The region’ s commitment to cycling has led to the development of extensive trail systems with 562 miles of soft surface trails and over 200 miles of paved paths and more always in progress. Biking has generated substantial economic benefits, including an estimated annual economic impact of $ 159 million and avoided health care costs of $ 59 million.

RISKS

Although bike riding scores high in healthboosting benefits, it does not come without risks. Those risks typically fall into two categories: the most common are falls, while the most severe involve collisions with motor vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration( NHTSA) reported a significant number of cyclist fatalities in 2023, with 1,166 people killed in traffic crashes across the United States. This figure represents an increase from the previous year and is the highest number since federal recordkeeping began in 1975, highlighting a concerning trend in bicycle safety.

Beyond fatalities, NHTSA also estimated nearly 50,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. These statistics stress the importance for bicyclists to be vigilant and practice defensive driving and riding habits.

Although most biking in Northwest Arkansas is done on the extensive trail system, there are many instances when cyclists must share the road with cars and trucks, adding to the risk factor. Consider these facts:

• Seasonal risk: bicyclist fatalities are highest during the summer months, specifically from June through September

• Urban danger: nearly 75 % of all bicyclist fatalities occur in urban areas, indicating increased risk in denser traffic environments

• Primary causes: the leading cause of fatal bike crashes is a failure to yield the right of way. Insufficient visibility of bicyclists is the second highest contributing factor

HERE ARE SOME WAYS

TO REDUCE RISK:

• Ride a bike that fits you – if it’ s too big, it’ s harder to control the bike

• Ride a bike that works – it really doesn’ t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’ t work

• Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn

• Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike

• Tuck and tie your shoelaces and pant legs so they don’ t get caught in your bike chain

• Plan your route – your safest route is, of course, always away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path; but if you have to ride on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds

• Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road – ride in a straight line and don’ t swerve between parked cars; signal turns; and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes

• Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing; make eye contact with others and don’ t ride on sidewalks

• Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians and other people on bikes will do next – watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars; look out for debris, potholes and other road hazards; cross railroad tracks at right angles

• Check that your tires are sufficiently inflated, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly and quick release levers are closed; carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride

ARKANSAS TRAFFIC RULES FOR CYCLISTS

Riding on the streets and public roads in Arkansas generally falls into six general principles in order to comply with state and local law:

1. Drive on the right side of the roadway; never on the left, and never on the sidewalk. 2. Obey all traffic signals and traffic control devices. 3. When you reach a more important or larger road than you are on, yield to crossing traffic.

4. When you intend to change lanes or move laterally on the roadway, yield to traffic in the new lane or line of travel.

5. When approaching an intersection, position yourself with respect to the direction of your destination.

6. Between intersections, position yourself according to your speed relative to other traffic. Bicyclists are required to signal like other vehicles, but not continuously if they need both hands for safety.

When riding at night, Arkansas law requires that you have a white headlight on the front of your bike and a red taillight on the rear – both visible from at least 500 feet away. You may substitute a red reflector on the rear provided that it is still visible from at least 500 feet away when illuminated. The white and red reflectors that come on your bike from the sporting goods store or bike shop are insufficient; state law requires that you have active lighting systems when riding at night( reflectors are passive).

Little Rock and Fayetteville city ordinances additionally require that a bicycle be equipped with a bell or other device for warning pedestrians, and that it have a brake capable of making the braked wheel skid on dry, level pavement.

OURHEALTHNWA. COM 10 JULY 2025 | SUMMER SAFETY & SKIN CARE ISSUE