Bicycling and Pedestrian Initiatives
Lees-McRae is proud to be recognized as a Gold Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists. Cycling is a huge part of the Lees-McRae experience and is an ideal way to stay active, explore the area, and cut down on car usage.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Lees-McRae offers the nation's only collegiate Cycling Studies minor.
- The Lees-McRae Division I Men’s and Women’s Cycling Team holds 10 team national titles in various disciplines as well as 59 individual national titles.
- Lees-McRae is one of the few college campuses to have held both national and conference mountain biking competitions.
- Great Value Colleges ranked Lees-McRae as of one of the 50 best bike-friendly colleges in the U.S.
- Lees-McRae was named a top U.S. college for mountain bikers by SingleTracks.
Biking on Campus
Students are invited and encouraged to bring their personal bikes to college. In addition to outdoor bike racks located throughout campus, secure indoor bike parking is available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis in the second-floor study room in Avery and the lobby of Tennessee Hall. Racks will also be installed in the Harris and Hickory buildings on the Grandfather Home campus. These racks are only available to those students who apply for rental use. Rentals are free and issued per semester. Please contact Deana Acklin for more information or to reserve a spot.
Bicycling is allowed on campus; however, cyclists must dismount when instructed by campus signage.
Bike Safety
In North Carolina, traffic laws treat bicycles as vehicles and bicyclists as drivers of vehicles. Sharing busy roads with motorists is easier when you ride legally and predictably.
Follow state law and campus policies to keep yourself, your fellow cyclists, and pedestrians safe.
Additional Safety Information
North Carolina law requires that when riding at night on any public street, public vehicular area, or public greenway, that bicyclists have a reflector on the rear AND a front and rear light, both visible from 300 feet. Reflective clothing that is bright and visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear is an alternative option to a rear light.
Please bike responsibly by respecting pedestrians, riding with traffic, signaling turns, being visible, riding no more than two abreast, and maintaining your equipment. Pay attention to the bicycle dismount signs on campus and only ride in designated areas. And most importantly: always wear your helmet!
For more safety tips:
- The League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling videos will help you understand how to ride safely and comfortably.
- The League of American Bicyclists also has tips about proper maintenance and riding gear.
- Our statewide advocacy organization for bicyclists and pedestrians, BikeWalk NC, highlights the most important traffic laws applicable to bicycle operation in North Carolina as well as other resources for more detailed state laws for both bicyclists and motorists.
- Check out the NC Ride Guide, a must-read on bicycle safety and laws in North Carolina.
- Read the Watch for Me NC guide to being a safe pedestrian and cyclist.
Get Involved
There are many options to get engaged with cycling whether you have a lifelong passion for the sport or it's a new hobby you just discovered.
Children's Bicycle Safety Clinic
During this clinic, children between the ages of 6 and 16 learn bicycle skills, including proper bike maintenance and riding safety. At the end of the clinic, attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion.
The most recent Children's Bicycle Safety Clinic was held on April 23 for residents of a Spruce Pine Housing Authority apartment complex. To learn more about children's clinics and how you can request one in your community, reach out to Deana Acklin.
League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling Complete
This program is designed to develop the craft and science of bicycling—the ability to use a bicycle with confidence and competence for pleasure, utility or sport under various highway, climate, terrain and traffic conditions.For novice to advanced riders, this nine-hour course combines classroom discussion/activities and on-road practice to instruct students in the practice of vehicular-style bicycling and overcoming the fear of riding in traffic.
A Smart Cycling Complete course was held at Lees-McRae on April 9, 2022. Another course will be held at a later date. Visit the Outdoor Recreation Management Certifications page for more information.
Don't know where to ride? There are miles of trails located within easy cycling distance from Lees-McRae, including quite a few right on campus.
Banner Elk Bike Day | May 22
Lees-McRae is partnering with the Banner Elk Bicycle and Pedestrain Committee for a full day of activities to celebrate National Bike Month.
Schedule to come.
Contact Us
Deana Acklin
Campus Bicycle Coordinator