The Office for Sustainability is excited to welcome students back to campus this fall. Whether you're riding in on a bicycle, an e-scooter, a skateboard or simply walking across campus, active transportation is one of the best ways to get to class while enjoying the outdoors, saving money and avoiding traffic. This year we're kicking off the semester with events, practical resources and a few friendly reminders to help everyone share the road.
Upcoming Events
Two favorites are coming together on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 7:30-11 a.m. on Old Main Lawn. The 2026 Bike Safety Block Party will take place in tandem with our September Cruise to Campus event. Expect helmet giveaways, complimentary bike tune ups, free breakfast and coffee, and much more. This event will offer an easy way to get your bike checked, ask questions, meet other riders and learn more about bike safety on campus. Can't make it for Sept. 2? Don't worry, Cruise to Campus takes place the first Wednesday of every month, except January.
Our friends at Trailblazers will host an Intro to Bike Maintenance workshop on Sept. 3 at UREC Outdoors. This hands-on workshop will teach attendees about the anatomy of a bicycle, how to fix a flat tire, how to check your brakes, how to lubricate your chain and much more. This is a beginner-friendly session designed to help riders keep their bikes in safe riding shape.
Trailblazers will return to campus on Sept. 23 to help host our annual Confident Commuter lunch and learn. This event provides attendees with a comprehensive introduction to commuting by bike, discussing bike fit, clothing and gear, bike laws, etiquette and tricks to help you ride with confidence.
Bike Facilities and Programs
The Bicycle Library continues to make getting around both easier and more affordable. Students can rent a refurbished commuter bike along with a helmet, lock and lights for just $25 per semester. Interested? Email erarmend@uark.edu to check availability.
The Maple Street renovation project is now complete! Enjoy the fresh facilities available along this key campus corridor. You'll find a protected two-way bicycle path, new senior walk, landscaping improvements and freshly renovated driving lanes.
In need of bike repairs? UREC Outdoors Bike Shop offers all the services you'll need to keep your bike rolling. Stop by UREC Outdoors at the HPER or contact the shop at bikeshop@uark.edu. UREC Outdoors also offers equipment rentals, including mountain bikes, climbing gear, camping equipment and more.
Biking on Campus
New to riding here, or just looking for a better route? Visit bike.uark.edu for maps, biking etiquette information, mountain-biking opportunities, fix-it station locations, repair resources and helpful videos. The webpage also features our commuter menu, which creates a custom door-to-door route based on your unique commuting needs.
Razorback Transit buses are also bike-friendly: every bus has a front-mounted rack that can fit two bicycles. Short how-to videos are available on the Razorback Transit YouTube channel and through UARK Services Instagram and Facebook.
A Few Safety Reminders
Please wear a helmet, follow traffic rules and use lights after dark. Avoid riding or e-scootering on crowded sidewalks. Take your time and always give pedestrians priority. Our expanding network of bike lanes and improved infrastructure is designed to keep pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists safe. With new routes, upgraded facilities and more support, this semester is a great time to try (or return to) active transportation.
Together we can make campus safer, greener and better connected.
Contacts
Emma Armendariz, active transportation coordinator
Office for Sustainability
479-575-7101, erarmend@uark.edu