At around 22:30 this evening (Saturday), I was driving eastbound along
I-40 between Hasen and Brinkley (IOW, Memphis-bound).

There was a LOT of heavy goods traffic. But eventually, I got back into
the nearside lane and proceeded at a cruise controlled speed of 70mph in
a 75mph limit. Those lorries were lit up like the Coca Cola trucks in
the Christmas ads. But over on the right, there was something wobbling.

As I got nearer (on dipped headlights), I saw what it was. It was a chav
on a bike - on the hard shoulder of an unlit Interstate freeway.
Needless to say, he was displaying absolutely no lights. He was relying
upon the headlights of passing traffic to light his way.

Let's all hope he got off that Interstate safely.

<https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AR-Bicycle-Guide.pdf>

QUOTE:
Cyclists can use any public road, street, or highway in Arkansas, with
the exception of the freeways and other controlled-access highways.
ENDQUOTE

On 24/09/2023 02:56, JNugent wrote:
> At around 22:30 this evening (Saturday), I was driving eastbound along
> I-40 between Hasen and Brinkley (IOW, Memphis-bound).
>
> There was a LOT of heavy goods traffic. But eventually, I got back into
> the nearside lane and proceeded at a cruise controlled speed of 70mph in
> a 75mph limit. Those lorries were lit up like the Coca Cola trucks in
> the Christmas ads. But over on the right, there was something wobbling.
>
> As I got nearer (on dipped headlights), I saw what it was. It was a chav
> on a bike - on the hard shoulder of an unlit Interstate freeway.
> Needless to say, he was displaying absolutely no lights. He was relying
> upon the headlights of passing traffic to light his way.
>
> Let's all hope he got off that Interstate safely.
>
> <https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AR-Bicycle-Guide.pdf>

>
> QUOTE:
> Cyclists can use any public road, street, or highway in Arkansas, with
> the exception of the freeways and other controlled-access highways.
> ENDQUOTE

From the State of Arkansas website:

The Four Basic Principles

Most bicycling injuries do not involve a crash with a motor vehicle.

Bicyclists are more likely to fall or hit fixed objects such as a
mailbox or a parked car. To avoid crashes, follow these Principles:

PRINCIPLE #1: Maintain control of your bicycle. Never ride while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving Under the Influence of
Intoxicants (DUI) laws apply when you’re riding a bicycle.

PRINCIPLE #2: Ride on the right, with traffic, in a predictable manner.
Most crashes with motor vehicles happen at road intersections and
driveways, where bicyclists and motorists cross paths.

PRINCIPLE #3: Be visible and ride alertly. When motorists and bicyclists
collide, the fault is about evenly split between them. Even if you ride
responsibly, some motorists may not see you.

PRINCIPLE #4: Protect yourself: wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head
injury in the event of a crash.

AND...

Principle #1:

Maintain Control of Your Bicycle

There are many things you can do to control your bicycle, even in an
emergency.

First, make sure your bike is the right size and adjusted to fit you
properly. The right size bicycle is easier to control and more
comfortable, causing less fatigue. Your local bike shop can help you
choose the right size bicycle for you.

Make sure your bike is in good working order. You should inspect it
regularly. Here are some important parts to check:

• Brakes must be powerful enough to let you easily bring your bicycle to
a stop. You should be able to easily reach the brake levers.

• Tires should be in good condition and inflated to their recommended
pressure.

• Luggage racks and saddle bagslet you carry a load while keeping your
hands on the handlebars for steering and braking.

• Lights are required by law when riding after dark. You or your bicycle
must have a white light visible at least 500 feet to the front, and a
red light or reflector visible at least 500 feet to the rear. These are
the minimum requirements. More powerful lights will make you more
visible to others, and help you see road hazards. A rear light is more
visible than a reflector. Front white reflectors are not visible to
motorists entering from a side street and do not meet legal lighting
requirements.

• Fenders [mudgards - Ed.] keep you dry and clean. They also prevent
your bicycle from getting dirty in wet weather.

• Mountain bikes and hybrids are easier to handle than many older bikes.
They are well-suited for city riding thanks to their upright sitting
position, modern gear shifters and brakes, rugged construction and
maneuverability.

• To improve your riding skills, practice in an area away from cars.

Learn to ride while looking ahead, to the sides and over your shoulder
(this is needed to check for traffic before turning). Avoid distractions
involving the use of headphones, texting or
talking on a cell phone while riding.

JNugent <jennings&co@mail.com> wrote:
> On 24/09/2023 02:56, JNugent wrote:
>> At around 22:30 this evening (Saturday), I was driving eastbound along
>> I-40 between Hasen and Brinkley (IOW, Memphis-bound).
>>
>> There was a LOT of heavy goods traffic. But eventually, I got back into
>> the nearside lane and proceeded at a cruise controlled speed of 70mph in
>> a 75mph limit. Those lorries were lit up like the Coca Cola trucks in
>> the Christmas ads. But over on the right, there was something wobbling.
>>
>> As I got nearer (on dipped headlights), I saw what it was. It was a chav
>> on a bike - on the hard shoulder of an unlit Interstate freeway.
>> Needless to say, he was displaying absolutely no lights. He was relying
>> upon the headlights of passing traffic to light his way.
>>
>> Let's all hope he got off that Interstate safely.
>>
>> <https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AR-Bicycle-Guide.pdf>
>
>>
>> QUOTE:
>> Cyclists can use any public road, street, or highway in Arkansas, with
>> the exception of the freeways and other controlled-access highways.
>> ENDQUOTE
>
> From the State of Arkansas website:
>
> The Four Basic Principles
>
> Most bicycling injuries do not involve a crash with a motor vehicle.
>
> Bicyclists are more likely to fall or hit fixed objects such as a
> mailbox or a parked car. To avoid crashes, follow these Principles:
>
> PRINCIPLE #1: Maintain control of your bicycle. Never ride while under
> the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving Under the Influence of
> Intoxicants (DUI) laws apply when you’re riding a bicycle.
>
> PRINCIPLE #2: Ride on the right, with traffic, in a predictable manner.
> Most crashes with motor vehicles happen at road intersections and
> driveways, where bicyclists and motorists cross paths.
>
> PRINCIPLE #3: Be visible and ride alertly. When motorists and bicyclists
> collide, the fault is about evenly split between them. Even if you ride
> responsibly, some motorists may not see you.
>
> PRINCIPLE #4: Protect yourself: wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head
> injury in the event of a crash.
>
> AND...
>
> Principle #1:
>
> Maintain Control of Your Bicycle
>
> There are many things you can do to control your bicycle, even in an
> emergency.
>
> First, make sure your bike is the right size and adjusted to fit you
> properly. The right size bicycle is easier to control and more
> comfortable, causing less fatigue. Your local bike shop can help you
> choose the right size bicycle for you.
>
> Make sure your bike is in good working order. You should inspect it
> regularly. Here are some important parts to check:
>
> • Brakes must be powerful enough to let you easily bring your bicycle to
> a stop. You should be able to easily reach the brake levers.
>
> • Tires should be in good condition and inflated to their recommended
> pressure.
>
> • Luggage racks and saddle bagslet you carry a load while keeping your
> hands on the handlebars for steering and braking.
>
> • Lights are required by law when riding after dark. You or your bicycle
> must have a white light visible at least 500 feet to the front, and a
> red light or reflector visible at least 500 feet to the rear. These are
> the minimum requirements. More powerful lights will make you more
> visible to others, and help you see road hazards. A rear light is more
> visible than a reflector. Front white reflectors are not visible to
> motorists entering from a side street and do not meet legal lighting
> requirements.
>
> • Fenders [mudgards - Ed.] keep you dry and clean. They also prevent
> your bicycle from getting dirty in wet weather.
>
> • Mountain bikes and hybrids are easier to handle than many older bikes.
> They are well-suited for city riding thanks to their upright sitting
> position, modern gear shifters and brakes, rugged construction and
> maneuverability.
>
> • To improve your riding skills, practice in an area away from cars.
>
> Learn to ride while looking ahead, to the sides and over your shoulder
> (this is needed to check for traffic before turning). Avoid distractions
> involving the use of headphones, texting or
> talking on a cell phone while riding.

I can see that the good sense expressed in Arkansas’ guide to bicycling
safety would go down like a lead balloon in cycling quarters in the UK.

Especially the part that noted that in collisions between cars and
bicycles, fault is split about 50/50.

Here in the UK, it’s the drivers fault even if there is no collision!

Might be an idea to send a copy to one’s MP, highlighting the differences
to UK practice.

I don’t suppose cycling groups would be interested, for some reason.

--
Spike