Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas are built for bikes. A little prep and good trail manners go a long way toward a safer, more enjoyable day for you, your group, and everyone you meet on the trails and greenways.

The Golden Rules (at a glance)

  • Helmet on, eyes up. Always wear a helmet and ride in control.

  • Announce and pass safely. “On your left,” slow your approach, give space.

  • Yield right. On singletrack, downhill yields to uphill; on the Greenway, keep right, pass left.

  • Don’t block the trail. Step off to stop, take photos, or regroup.

  • Respect closures. If a trail is signed CLOSED (mud, maintenance), skip it. Ride the Greenway instead.

  • Leave no trace. Pack out trash, don’t shortcut switchbacks or widen trails.

  • Be kind. Smile, wave, and share the stoke—it’s the Smiley way.

E-Bike Etiquette & Local Norms

  • Know your class. Most dirt singletrack here expects Class 1 (pedal-assist); cruisers (Class 1–2) belong on paved paths/Greenway. Always follow posted signs.

  • Match the vibe. Use lower assist in busy areas; pass at a human pace.

  • Battery sense. Start full, manage assist on climbs, and plan a bail-out via the Greenway if needed.

  • Water & motors. Walk deep water crossings; avoid submerging electronics.

  • Cooling breaks. On hot days after long climbs, give the motor a minute to cool.

Pre-Ride Check (60-second “A-B-C-Q”)

  • A — Air: Inflate tires to trail-appropriate pressure (lower for grip, higher for pavement).

  • B — Brakes: Squeeze both; no rub, strong bite.

  • C — Chain/Drivetrain: Smooth shifting, lube if dry.

  • Q — Quick releases/Bolts: Levers closed, axle thru-bolts snug, bars/stem tight.

  • E-Bike add-ons: Battery locked, display secure, charger packed if you’ll stop mid-day.

  • Plan: Check weather and trail status; download/offline your route map.

What to Pack (per rider)

Essentials: Helmet, gloves, 1–2 L water, snacks/electrolytes, phone (offline map), mini-pump or CO₂, tube/plug kit, tire levers, multi-tool, basic first-aid, ID/cash.
Nice to have: Chain quick-link, sunscreen, bug/tick spray, compact rain layer, lights for dusk.
E-Bike extras: Spare charger, key for battery, small rag for contacts.

Printable Checklist idea:
Helmet • Gloves • Water • Snacks • Phone & map • Pump/CO₂ • Tube/plug kit • Multi-tool • First-aid • Sunscreen • Lights • Charger

Greenway Safety (Razorback Regional Greenway & paved paths)

  • Keep right, pass left with an audible signal or bell.

  • Slow for intersections and trail users; bikes yield to pedestrians.

  • Single file in busy segments; no earbuds or use one ear only.

  • Be visible at dusk/night: front white light + rear red light; reflective accents help.

  • Mind speed. E-cruisers can feel fast—pace with courtesy.

Singletrack Safety & Technique

  • See and be seen. Control speed to your sight line; expect two-way traffic unless signed one-way.

  • Session smart. Scout features first; progress from green → blue → black.

  • Hike-a-bike is OK. If a feature isn’t your style, walk it and rejoin.

  • Group spacing. One rider per feature at a time; wait clear of landings/berms.

  • Wildlife & plants. Don’t chase critters; learn to ID poison ivy; check for ticks post-ride.

Mud, Weather & Seasons

  • After rain: Avoid clay-heavy trails until firm; ruts damage lines and are unsafe. Choose rockier, better-draining routes or the Greenway.

  • Freeze–thaw (winter): Ride midday when the ground is solid or fully thawed/dry; avoid slop.

  • Heat (summer): Start early/finish late, hydrate often, add electrolytes, take shade breaks.

  • Lightning: If thunder is near, exit high/exposed terrain immediately and seek shelter.

  • Cold: Dress in layers; keep hands/feet warm; carry lights—dark comes quick.

If Something Goes Wrong (Emergency Basics)

  • Serious injury? Call 911. Provide trail name, nearest junction, and GPS location if possible.

  • Stay put & make safe. Don’t move a rider with head/neck/back injury; protect from exposure.

  • Minor crash kit: Clean and dress scrapes; stop bleeding; end the ride if dizzy or nauseous.

  • Mechanical triage: Fix flats with plug/tube; if unrideable, walk to the nearest road/Greenway and share location for pickup.

  • Solo? Tell someone your route/ETA; use phone SOS features if available.

Riding with Kids & New Riders

  • Fit matters. Correct bike size and seat height = safety and confidence.

  • Start simple. Green trails or paved loops; practice braking and scanning ahead.

  • Frequent micro-breaks. Snacks, water, shade; keep the vibe fun.

  • Clear meet points. Pick landmarks if the group spreads out; adults take rear and front.

Trail Respect & Community

  • Follow signs & one-way designations. They’re for flow and safety.

  • Report hazards. Downed trees, damaged features? Snap a pin/drop a note to local trail orgs.

  • Give back. Join a trail workday or donate—these trails exist because the community cares.

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