BICYCLE ADVOCACY
OF
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Get to Know Us
Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas is a 501c3 nonprofit that advocates for the rapidly growing cycling community in the Little Rock metro area and surrounding Central Arkansas. We are all from different backgrounds, and have different reasons for riding, but our common passion to make cycling safer and more accessible is what ties us together. Join us and become part of BACA today!
Current Projects
We are busy! Here are some of our current projects. If you'd like to get involved or just want more information on the project Click an Image for details.
Close the Loop
This project encompasses the Arkansas River Trail in Little Rock from behind City Hall to Rebsamen Park Road.
Share the Road License Plate
Working with Move Arkansas to assist in creating a "Share the Road" license plate for Arkansas.
20 is Plenty
We are working with the city board of directors to pass an ordinace for 20 mph to be the speed limit on unsigned roads in Little Rock
North Little Rock Projects
BACA is working with the City of North Little Rock to connect the Levy Trail with the Arkansas River Trail, and other projects.
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Arkansas River Trail Signage
A project working with the City of Little Rock to improve Arkansas River Trail directional signage.
Various Other Initiatives
If the project is not in the other 5 links, it lives here.
What We Do
1
Advocacy
Our top priority is advocating for cyclists. Its so important to us it's in our name. BACA advocates at the local, state and even national level and acts as a voice for the cycling community to those who need to hear it. Have an issue or a concern but don't know how to get the message to the right person? BACA works to take cyclists' concerns to the people who will make the change.
2
Education
Education is a key component of our mission, whether it is teaching kids to ride safely, adults how to repair a bike or drivers about safety when encountering cyclists, BACA is dedicated to educating Arkansans about safely biking in the Natural State.
3
Encouragement
Central Arkansas is fortunate to have a rapidly growing cycling community. Another one of our goals is to encourage more people to hop on a bike and go for a ride! While most people feel comfortable riding on the Arkansas River Trail though, we also encourage people to try riding their bikes as a mode of transportation. Leave the car at home every now and then and ride your bike to the corner store, or to work. Encouraging people to ride their bikes instead of taking the car is another important issue that can help lead to a better cycling environment for everyone.
Summary of BACA History & Accomplishments
Founding (2004–2006)
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Founded in 2004 to support the construction of the Big Dam Bridge, which opened in 2006 as the longest U.S. pedestrian/bicycle bridge of its kind.
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Co-founders Judy Lansky and Ken Gould also launched the Big Dam Bridge 100 ride, now Arkansas’s largest cycling event.
Infrastructure Advocacy
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Supported creation of the Two Rivers Park Bridge (2011) and Clinton Presidential Park Bridge (2011), strengthening the Arkansas River Trail network.
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Advocated for bike lanes and routes in Little Rock (first installed around 2012) and North Little Rock.
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Pushed for bike parking initiatives and amenities through partnerships with city programs.
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Led decades-long effort to “Close the Loop” of the Arkansas River Trail by eliminating a dangerous 0.6-mile gap downtown (project now in final planning).
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Advocated for inclusion of bike/pedestrian paths in major bridges like the Broadway Bridge replacement (2017).
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Supported the vision and planning of the Southwest Trail, a 60+ mile regional rail-trail project.
Education & Safety
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Youth bike safety “rodeos” and programs in partnership with Recycle Bikes for Kids and schools.
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Adult Smart Cycling classes have been taught by League Cycling Instructors since 2013.
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Organized an LCI training seminar in 2018 to expand teaching capacity.
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Promoted motorist awareness through campaigns like “3 Feet – It’s the Law” after the passage of Arkansas’s 3-foot passing law (2007).
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Hosted “Light the Night” bike light giveaways and helmet distribution events.
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Coordinates the annual Ride of Silence each May to honor fallen cyclists.
Policy Influence
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Helped secure passage of Little Rock’s Complete Streets Ordinance (2015), ranked a top national policy that year.
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Supported North Little Rock’s Bicycle Friendly Community designation (Bronze level) and Complete Streets adoption.
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Advocated for statewide laws:
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3-Foot Passing Law (2007)
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“Idaho Stop” Law (2019) – Arkansas became the second state to allow cyclists to yield at stop signs/red lights.
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Served on advisory councils and city committees, ensuring cycling is included in transportation planning.
Community Events & Outreach
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Longtime support and volunteer presence at the Big Dam Bridge 100.
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Organizes Bike to Work Day and National Bike Month events annually.
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Hosts community rides (e.g., Tweed Ride, slow rolls) and quarterly membership meetings.
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Partners with Recycle Bikes for Kids, Central Arkansas Trail Alliance, local health organizations, and others.
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Active in media outreach, raising public awareness of cycling issues and safety.
Recent Achievements (2015–2025)
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Helped Little Rock earn Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation (2016, renewed 2020) from the League of American Bicyclists.
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North Little Rock also renewed its Bronze status.
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Continued momentum on “Close the Loop”, with final designs underway.
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Dedicated the Judy Lansky Memorial Pavilion (2023) at the Big Dam Bridge North Plaza.
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Advocated for new on-street projects like Markham Street road diet and proposed Kavanaugh Boulevard bike lanes.
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Emphasized equity, transportation choice, and livability in framing bike advocacy.
