Bicycle Guidelines & Safety Tips

A cars-eye- view of three bicyclists. How hard is it to see you?

NPS Image

Make yourself visible. Millions of visitors travel the Parkway each year, many more in vehicles than bicycles. Use of high-visibility clothing and bicycle lights greatly increases bicyclist visibility.

Bicyclists may use the whole lane, but the Parkway lanes are only 11 feet wide. Ride single file, and we recommend riding as far to the right as practicable.

Natchez Trace Cycling is dedicated to bicycling the Parkway safely. Visit their site to get great information about how to Be Safe and Be Seen.

Natchez Trace Travel Bicycling page is dedicated to assisting bicyclists to have the best bicycling experience.

 

You Need to Know

• Facilities and roadways may be closed. (see What's Open, What's Closed)
• Weather can be severe. Keep up with changes.
• Water may not be available for long stretches of road. Carry a water filter.
• Make yourself visible. Millions of visitors travel the Parkway each year, many more in vehicles than bicycles. Use of high-visibility clothing and bicycle lights greatly increases bicyclist visibility.
• Ride single file and as far to the right as practicable, for safety, although bicyclists may use the entire lane. Follow the same rules of the road as motorists. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
• Spring and fall are the most popular times to bicycle the Natchez Trace Parkway.
• Cell phone service is not always available.
• Call 911 if you have an emergency, and tell the dispatcher your location is on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Carry identification and emergency medical information
• Changes in elevation along the Parkway might appear minimal, but can catch you off guard. Know your limits.
• Report all incidents involving bicyclists or pedestrians to the Natchez Trace Parkway at [phone].
• The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a great alternate route for bicyclists traveling through the Jackson, MS area during times of increased commuter traffic. Traffic is the heaviest in the Jackson, Mississippi Metropolitan Area Monday thru Friday 5:00 am - 8:00 am and 2:00 pm - 5:00 PM, Saturday 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. For more information on the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail click here.
• Electronic bicycles are allowed on the Natchez Trace Parkway where traditional bicycles are allowed. We do not have charging stations. All charging must be done off the Parkway.

 

Your Visibility is Crucial

Check out the three bicyclists below. Which one do you want to be?

 

Black Shirt - Red Shirt - Florescent Shirt

NPS

Be bright enough to dazzle. Click here or on the image to learn more about how to be the most visible.

 

Laws and Regulations

National Park Service Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations
4.30 - Bicycles
Superintendent's Compendium of Regulations