UA sets up zone for feet, no wheels

University of Arkansas students won’t be able to zoom to class on wheels, at least in the heart of the Fayetteville campus. A new policy effective Monday prohibits riding skateboards or bicycles in a zone heavily used by pedestrians during the day.

Riders must walk their bicycles or carry skateboards from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in an area bounded by the Arkansas Union to the west and Campus Walk to the east. Law school and agriculture buildings form the northern boundary of the “walk-only” zone, with arts and chemistry buildings making up the southern edge.

“Our concern is safety. We have very heavy pedestrian traffic in this area all through the day, and particularly when classes are changing,” said Steve Gahagans, director of UA’s Police Department, in a statement, adding that several pedestrians have been injured by bicycle riders.

Also prohibited are delivery vehicles on sidewalks. Police will be on patrol to enforce the new policy, the university announced.

— Jaime Adame

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