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History of Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas (BACA)

You're not going to believe what we've done.

(The following is a work in progress. Advocacy work continues, and occasionally, we come across new information about our past. Check back often.)

Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas (BACA) was founded in 2004 by a group of passionate cyclists to champion safer, more bicycle-friendly communities in the Little Rock metropolitan area. Over the past two decades, BACA has grown from a small volunteer coalition into a leading nonprofit voice for cyclists in Central Arkansas. This report chronicles BACA’s complete history from its founding purpose of supporting a landmark bridge project, through years of advocacy for bike infrastructure, education, and policy, to its recent initiatives and organizational milestones, highlighting significant accomplishments in infrastructure, education, policy influence, events, and community partnerships.

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Founding and the Big Dam Bridge (2004–2006)

 

BACA began in 2004 with a singular focus: rallying support to build the Big Dam Bridge, a dedicated bicycle–pedestrian bridge across the Arkansas River. At the time, Pulaski County Judge Floyd “Buddy” Villines and other local leaders were championing this ambitious project to connect Little Rock and North Little Rock with a car-free river crossing. BACA began with a meeting in 2004 when Judy Landsky, Ken Gould, Coreen Frasier, Gene Pfeifer, David Holstead, and Rob Lambert met to develop a bicycle advocacy group to mobilize cyclists and the community to turn this “impossible dream” into reality. They helped gather public and political support for the bridge, advocating for its benefits in terms of recreation, transportation, and regional connectivity.

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The Big Dam Bridge was under construction in 2005. BACA was formed to support this project, which opened in 2006 as the longest purpose-built pedestrian/bicycle bridge in North America.

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Thanks in part to BACA’s advocacy, the Big Dam Bridge opened in September 2006, spanning 4,226 feet across the Murray Lock and Dam. BACA was recognized as a pivotal partner in this achievement it was one of the organizations that contributed to the planning and funding coalition, as noted on. The bridge immediately became an iconic piece of cycling infrastructure and a catalyst for the development of additional trails. To celebrate the new bridge and promote cycling, Lansky and Gould also helped create the Big Dam Bridge 100 an annual 100-mile bike tour that debuted in 2006 and has grown into Arkansas’s largest cycling event. “There wouldn’t be a Big Dam Bridge 100 without Ken and Judy; it was their idea,” recalls longtime friend and fellow advocate Peggy Muncy. As the first co-chairs of the BDB100 Foundation, Lansky and Gould launched a tradition that draws thousands of riders each year and showcases Central Arkansas’s trails.

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With the Big Dam Bridge’s success, BACA’s mission broadened. The group’s early victories demonstrated how cycling infrastructure could improve quality of life, and BACA set out to make bicycling “an integral part of our way of life” in Central Arkansas. From this foundation, BACA evolved into a sustained advocacy organization tackling a wide range of projects beyond the bridge.

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Expanding Bicycle Infrastructure and Trails (2006–2014)

 

After 2006, BACA turned its attention to expanding the Arkansas River Trail and other bike-friendly infrastructure across Central Arkansas. The Arkansas River Trail (ART) is a multi-use path network along both sides of the river, envisioned as a continuous loop through Little Rock and North Little Rock. BACA played a pivotal role in the construction and extension of the River Trail in the late 2000s. The group worked closely with city and county officials to push for new trail segments and connections:

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  • Two Rivers Park Bridge (2011): BACA supported Pulaski County’s effort (led by Judge Villines) to build this bicycle–pedestrian bridge west of the Big Dam Bridge, linking the River Trail to Two Rivers Park. When the Two Rivers Bridge opened in July 2011, it created a seamless path from downtown Little Rock to western parklands, another major step in the trail system’s growth. BACA advocates had encouraged these investments in bridging gaps and celebrated the bridge’s opening as a win for safe, off-street connectivity.
     

  • Clinton Presidential Park Bridge (2011): BACA also welcomed the conversion of an old railroad bridge by the Clinton Presidential Library into a pedestrian/bike bridge in 2011. This span in downtown Little Rock closed a trail gap on the eastern side of the river. BACA members had long emphasized the importance of integrating the River Trail with downtown attractions; the new bridge, backed by the City and Clinton Foundation, achieved that goal.
     

  • On-Street Bike Lanes and Routes: Beyond trails, BACA began advocating for better on-street accommodations for cyclists. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Little Rock had few marked bike lanes. BACA pressed city leaders to change that, and by 2012, the city was installing bike lanes and shared lane markings on select streets. Brian Day, Little Rock Assistant City Manager at the time, noted that the city was “working with BACA and other groups to develop north-south and east-west routes for bicyclists,” as new bike lanes were painted downtown. These early bike lanes (for example, on Riverfront and Fair Park Drives) were modest but symbolized progress that BACA had pushed for.
     

  • Bike Parking and Amenities: BACA also encouraged local governments and businesses to install bicycle parking racks and other amenities. In North Little Rock, for instance, the city’s Fit 2 Live program, in partnership with BACA, offered free bike racks to businesses to encourage cycling. Such initiatives, often promoted by BACA outreach, began improving the basic infrastructure that cyclists rely on daily.
     

During this period, BACA’s advocacy voice grew stronger. The organization often served as a bridge between the cycling public and policymakers, bringing cyclists’ needs to the table for transportation projects. For example, when plans emerged to replace the Broadway Bridge over the Arkansas River (completed in 2017), BACA successfully urged engineers to include a wide protected bike/pedestrian path on the new bridge. The result was a modern bridge that safely carries cyclists between cities – another infrastructure improvement with BACA’s imprint.

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Perhaps the most significant unfinished infrastructure goal was to “Close the Loop” of the Arkansas River Trail in downtown Little Rock. By 2014, the trail loop was nearly complete except for a 0.6-mile gap along Cantrell Road (Highway 10) adjacent to the Dillard’s corporate headquarters. Trail users were forced onto a narrow sidewalk and highway shoulder at this section, a dangerous detour that broke the trail’s continuity. BACA spent many years advocating for a solution to this gap. In 2014, BACA joined city officials in renewed planning efforts, and by 2018–2020, the City of Little Rock secured federal grants to design a safe trail route through this area. BACA leaders continuously applied pressure and helped generate public enthusiasm to finally close this infamous gap. They hosted community meetings, launched a “Close the Loop” campaign on social media, and even developed their own trail alignment concepts to present to the city. In July 2024, Little Rock’s Public Works director presented five design alternatives for closing the loop at a packed BACA meeting, reflecting how integral BACA’s input had become in the project’s planning. Finishing this missing link remains a top priority for BACA as of 2025, and the group’s advocacy is closer than ever to achieving the “fully connected, off-street loop” that was envisioned decades ago.

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The “Close the Loop” gap in the Arkansas River Trail: For years, cyclists had to navigate a narrow sidewalk along Cantrell Road. BACA has persistently advocated for a safe, separated trail here, working with the City on plans to bridge this 0.6-mile gap.

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Between 2006 and 2014, BACA also strengthened its partnerships with local agencies. It worked alongside Metroplan (the regional transportation planning agency) to incorporate bike/ped projects into long-range plans. BACA endorsed the idea of the Southwest Trail, a 60+ mile rail-trail project to connect Little Rock and Hot Springs, and collaborated with Pulaski County and Metroplan as that trail’s planning got underway in the 2010s. Through public meetings and comment periods, BACA ensured cyclists’ voices were heard on numerous infrastructure initiatives across Central Arkansas.

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Education and Safety Initiatives

 

From its early years, BACA recognized that building bike infrastructure must go hand in hand with educating the community about safe cycling practices. Education is a key component of BACA’s mission, the organization is “dedicated to educating Arkansans about safely biking in the Natural State,” teaching everyone from children to adult drivers. Over the years, BACA has developed a robust education and encouragement program:

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  • Youth Education: BACA volunteers regularly conduct bike safety clinics and “rodeos” for children. They teach children how to ride confidently and predictably, emphasizing the importance of wearing helmets and being aware of the road. For example, BACA has partnered with the Central Arkansas Library System and local nonprofits like Recycle Bikes for Kids to host youth bike rodeos and fun rides. In May 2014, BACA helped organize a children’s “Bicycle Parade” at the Little Rock Main Library, where kids decorated their bikes and learned cycling safety basics in a festive atmosphere. Such events introduce the next generation to cycling etiquette and skills in a safe and controlled environment. BACA also supports Safe Routes to School efforts: members have worked with local schools on bike-to-school days and safety courses, fostering a cycling culture among youth.
     

  • Adult Education – Smart Cycling Classes: BACA has offered formal cycling classes for adults, utilizing the curriculum developed by the League of American Bicyclists. By 2013, BACA board members who were certified as League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) began teaching the “Smart Cycling” course (formerly Traffic Skills 101) in Central Arkansas. These day-long classes cover on-bike handling skills, traffic law, and how to ride safely on city streets. The City of Little Rock actively promoted BACA’s Smart Cycling classes as a way for new riders to gain confidence. In 2018, to expand its educational reach, BACA organized an LCI training seminar in Little Rock that certified a dozen new instructors. This dramatically increased the capacity to teach bike safety classes in the region. Through 2018–2025, BACA has regularly hosted classes and clinics, including beginner road riding courses, commuter tips sessions, and bicycle maintenance workshops.
     

  • “Bicycle Friendly Driver” and Motorist Education: BACA believes educating motorists is just as important for safety. The group has produced outreach materials that remind drivers to share the road and explain cyclists’ rights. For instance, after Arkansas enacted the 3-Foot Passing Law in 2007 (requiring vehicles to give at least 3 feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle), BACA widely publicized this rule. It distributed “3 Feet – It’s the Law” stickers and encouraged local media to report on the new safety law. BACA representatives have spoken to driver’s education classes and civic groups about safely encountering cyclists on the road. This public education helps humanize cyclists and reduce conflicts. BACA also compiled a comprehensive reference of all Arkansas state laws and local ordinances related to bicycling and walking. That compilation, available on BACA’s website and the City of Little Rock’s resources page, has been a valuable tool for educating both cyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.
     

  • Safety Gear and Awareness Campaigns: In its community outreach, BACA often emphasizes being visible and predictable. Volunteers have led “Light the Night” giveaways, providing free front and rear lights to cyclists riding after dark. BACA has also distributed helmets to those in need (sometimes partnering with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program or hospitals for donations) and hosted helmet-fitting booths at events. Another signature effort is the annual Ride of Silence, a somber group ride each May that honors cyclists killed or injured on the roads. BACA has coordinated the Little Rock Ride of Silence for many years, typically starting at the Bernice Garden and riding through downtown in honor of fallen cyclists. These events both memorialize victims and raise public awareness for road safety.
     

Through education and safety advocacy, BACA has worked to foster a culture of mutual respect on Arkansas roads. Its initiatives for adults, youth, and motorists alike aim to ensure that “anybody can ride anywhere safely and easily,” fulfilling BACA’s vision of bicycling as a normal, accepted part of daily life.

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Policy Influence and Advocacy Milestones

 

One of BACA’s hallmark accomplishments has been influencing policy at the city, county, and state levels to make the environment more bicycle-friendly. Over 20+ years, BACA’s persistent lobbying and collaboration with officials have led to significant policy changes:

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  • City of Little Rock – Complete Streets Policy (2015): After years of advocacy, BACA helped Little Rock adopt a comprehensive Complete Streets ordinance, reshaping how the city designs its roads. The effort began around 2010 when Mayor Mark Stodola formed a Bicycle Friendly Community Committee (which included BACA members like Judy Lansky and Mason Ellis) to advise on bike improvements. This committee drafted a Complete Streets ordinance requiring that all new or reconstructed road projects consider “all users”, including cyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, and people with disabilities. BACA members spent several years advocating for the policy. By early 2015, BACA’s then-president Mason Ellis was a leading public supporter of the ordinance. “Complete Streets is all about safety and equal access for all modes of transportation,” Ellis explained, noting that the ordinance included common-sense exceptions and wouldn’t force bike lanes where not needed. In April 2015, the Little Rock Board of Directors unanimously passed the Complete Streets policy, after an initial delay to address cost concerns. This was a major victory credited largely to BACA’s grassroots lobbying. The national Complete Streets Coalition ranked Little Rock’s policy as one of the 10 best in the U.S. that year. Since its passage, the ordinance has led to the addition of more bike lanes, sidewalks, and safer street designs in Little Rock, firmly establishing BACA as a key stakeholder in city planning.
     

  • City of North Little Rock – Bicycle Friendly Policies: North Little Rock has often been ahead of Little Rock in bike infrastructure, and BACA supported NLR’s early adoption of bike-friendly policies. NLR implemented its own informal complete streets approach and, with BACA’s encouragement, was the first city in Arkansas to achieve a Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), earning Bronze level in the early 2010s. NLR’s long-serving Mayor Pat Hays worked closely with advocates to add trails (like the Mill Creek and Argenta trails) and bike lanes, making NLR a model for the region. BACA members served on NLR’s Bicycle Friendly Community committee and Fit 2 Live program, helping craft bike/ped master plans that guided improvements such as the Argenta bike lanes and the Levy Trail. In 2013, North Little Rock formally adopted a Complete Streets policy as well, again with BACA’s endorsement. These policies solidified a pro-cycling mindset in NLR’s government that continues today.
     

  • State of Arkansas – Safe Cycling Legislation: BACA’s influence extends to the state Capitol. The organization has lobbied for laws to protect cyclists and give them more freedom on the road. A key success was Arkansas’s 2007 “3 Feet” passing law, which mandates that drivers leave at least three feet when passing a bicyclist. BACA joined a coalition of advocates to support this bill, which passed the state legislature and addressed a top safety concern. More recently, BACA played a role in advancing the 2019 “Idaho Stop” law in Arkansas. This law (Act 650 of 2019) allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yields and red lights as stop signs, when safe – effectively making Arkansas the second state (after Idaho) to legalize this cycling practice. The change was recommended by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Cycling, on which BACA leaders serve, and BACA publicly backed the bill. Joe Jacobs, BACA’s Vice President (who also chaired the state Cycling Council), noted that the law would improve safety and traffic flow, and indeed the bill earned broad support Governor Asa Hutchinson signed it in April 2019. BACA has since educated cyclists and police about the new rules, highlighting how “this change allows cyclists to more safely navigate intersections” without altering right-of-way rules. In addition to these laws, BACA has advocated for distracted driving bans, tougher DUI penalties, and “vulnerable road user” protections at the state level, contributing to a safer legal framework for cyclists.
     

  • Local Government Partnerships: BACA regularly partners with municipal governments and agencies to shape bike-friendly policies. The group has representatives on the Mayor’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee, advising on a range of topics, including bike network plans and enforcement of cycling laws. BACA also works with Pulaski County officials – for example, providing input on the county’s trail master plans and supporting funding for trail projects in bond initiatives. When Pulaski County voters considered an infrastructure tax that included trail funding, BACA mobilized cyclists to speak out in favor. Although not all such measures passed, BACA’s advocacy raised the profile of cycling needs in budget decisions. Furthermore, BACA collaborates with Metroplan on regional plans, such as Imagine Central Arkansas, ensuring that bike/ped projects remain a priority in long-range transportation funding.
     

Overall, BACA has established itself as Central Arkansas’s voice for cyclists in policy matters. City staff and elected officials now routinely consult BACA on street designs, trail plans, and bike/ped funding. Much of the bike-friendly progress in local policy – from Complete Streets to trail investments – can be traced to years of relationship-building and persuasive advocacy by BACA volunteers.

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Community Events, Rides, and Outreach

 

BACA’s impact is not only in government halls and infrastructure but also in the community culture it has fostered. Organizing events and partnerships has been a core strategy for BACA to promote cycling and engage the public:

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  • Signature Rides and Events: BACA either hosts or helps coordinate a variety of rides that draw the community together. One major annual event is the Big Dam Bridge 100, as mentioned earlier. While the BDB100 is now managed by its own foundation, BACA members have consistently volunteered and promoted the ride, and BACA often has an informational booth at the BDB100 expo. Another important ride is the Ride of Silence each May. Since at least 2007, BACA has led the Little Rock-area Ride of Silence, joining a worldwide memorial ride held on the third Wednesday of May. Cyclists ride in a silent procession to honor those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roads, usually wearing armbands and escorted by police. In 2021, for example, BACA organized the Ride of Silence from downtown Little Rock, with participants including families of fallen cyclists and local officials, to call for safer streets. This solemn event, held annually with BACA’s coordination, raises awareness among motorists during National Bike Month.
     

  • Bike to Work Day and Bike Month Activities: Every May (National Bike Month), BACA teams up with local businesses and city agencies to encourage bicycle commuting. Bike to Work Day has been observed in Little Rock for many years, with BACA as a lead organizer. BACA sets up energizer stations offering coffee and snacks to bike commuters, arranges group rides to work, and publicizes the environmental and health benefits of biking to the office. For instance, on Bike to Work Day 2019, BACA volunteers hosted a morning rally in downtown Little Rock where the Mayor and dozens of cyclists gathered to show support for active transportation. These events often garner local news coverage, further spreading BACA’s message that Central Arkansas is bike-friendly. In 2020–2021, despite the pandemic affecting gatherings, BACA adapted by promoting a Bike to Work Week Challenge and virtual events to maintain momentum. The Bike to Work Day 2026 event is already on BACA’s calendar, demonstrating the continuity of this tradition.
     

  • Community Rides and Social Events: To welcome newcomers and celebrate cycling, BACA also puts on casual group rides and social gatherings and family-friendly trail rides have been held with BACA’s involvement, creating fun, low-stress opportunities for people to ride together. BACA has organized “neighborhood slow rolls” that tour specific areas at an easy pace to introduce residents to bike routes. Additionally, BACA’s bi-monthly membership meetings double as community social events, often held at local restaurants (like Whole Hog Cafe) and open to all cyclists to come share ideas. These meetings sometimes feature guest speakers (city planners, transit officials, etc.) and serve as a forum for cyclists to voice concerns. For example, at a recent membership meeting, nearly 80 BACA members gathered to discuss priorities such as trail safety and upcoming city bond projects. BACA’s inclusive approach in these events helps grow a sense of community among Central Arkansas cyclists.
     

  • Partnerships with Other Organizations: BACA frequently partners with complementary organizations to amplify its outreach. One key partner is Recycle Bikes for Kids, a local nonprofit organization that refurbishes donated bicycles and distributes them to children and adults in need of bikes. BACA and Recycle Bikes often collaborate. BACA volunteers help at Recycle Bikes’ earn-a-bike nights, and the two groups co-sponsor events like bike safety clinics. BACA also teams with health and fitness groups (like the Arkansas Department of Health initiatives and the American Heart Association) to promote cycling as exercise. For instance, BACA has participated in the Heart Walk and other wellness fairs to highlight biking’s health benefits. Another partnership is with the Central Arkansas Trail Alliance (CATA) for off-road cycling – while CATA builds mountain bike trails, BACA supports their efforts, and together they advocate for more trails and greenways (often presenting a united front to city parks departments). BACA’s willingness to work in coalition is seen in events like the Full Moon Walk: Lansky and friend Peggy Muncy organized this popular 2011 event, where 2,500 people took an evening stroll across the Big Dam Bridge under a full moon. Though a walking event, it was co-sponsored by the Big Dam Bridge Foundation and supported by BACA as a way to promote active use of the bridge and unity among pedestrians and cyclists.

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  • National Stage: Bicycle Advocacy has sent local representative to attend the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. every year since the groups inception. At the summit, BACA representatives have had the opportunity to meet with our national legislators to discuss local and national bicycle issues.
     

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: BACA engages the broader public through media and communications as well. Members have written opinion columns and letters to the editor in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Times, urging drivers to be mindful of cyclists and supporting specific infrastructure projects. BACA maintains an active Facebook page and website that share safety tips, event announcements, and calls to action. When a cyclist was tragically killed in a hit-and-run in 2012, BACA helped organize a memorial ride and used media interviews to press for safer road designs in Little Rock. BACA’s consistent presence in local news, whether promoting National Bike Month or commenting on city traffic issues, has kept cycling in the public conversation. The group’s advocacy is often highlighted by outlets such as ArkansasOutside.com magazine and TV segments on THV11 or KARK, further expanding its outreach.
     

Through these many events and partnerships, BACA has built a vibrant cycling community in Central Arkansas. Thousands of residents have been reached – whether they received a free bike through Recycle Bikes, rode in a BACA-organized event, or simply saw a news piece quoting BACA on why a certain bike lane matters. This community engagement has been crucial in changing attitudes: cycling is increasingly seen as a normal, positive part of life in Central Arkansas, thanks in large part to BACA’s outreach efforts.

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Recent Developments and Ongoing Efforts (2015–2025)

 

In the most recent decade, BACA has continued to evolve and achieve new milestones, positioning the organization for even greater impact going forward:

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  • Bicycle Friendly Community Achievements: By 2016, Little Rock had made enough progress – much of it driven by BACA’s advocacy – to earn a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community award from the League of American Bicyclists. This was Little Rock’s first time receiving a national BFC designation (after a prior Honorable Mention), and it was renewed at Bronze in 2020. North Little Rock also renewed its Bronze BFC status during this period. These awards reflected concrete improvements such as expanded bike lanes, a bike-share program launch (Little Rock’s Rock Region Metro Bike Share started in 2017), and educational programs – all areas where BACA had contributed. City officials explicitly thanked BACA for helping achieve the BFC recognition, and BACA continues to assist Little Rock in pursuing higher status (Silver level and beyond) by advising on the LAB feedback report recommendations. The Bronze awards for both Little Rock and NLR stand as a testament to decades of advocacy work paying off in measurable bicycle-friendliness.

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  • More Greenways: BACA members worked with Pulaski County and the Clinton Presidential Library to support the creation of the Southeast Trail from the Clinton Presidential Library to the Terry Lock and Dam in south Pulaski County. This mostly on-street trail is currently being moved to an off-street protected greenway with the support of BACA.
     

  • “Close the Loop” Campaign Successes: In the early 2020s, BACA’s persistent Close the Loop advocacy began yielding tangible results. By 2023, Little Rock had secured design funding and was negotiating right-of-way with the private landowners (Dillard’s Inc.) to construct the River Trail’s final segment. BACA kept the pressure on – Vice President Joe Jacobs met with Mayor Frank Scott Jr. in July 2023 to discuss the project’s status, and BACA organized letter-writing campaigns urging the City Board to prioritize the trail gap. 

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  • Recognition of Advocates: In late 2023, Pulaski County opened a new Big Dam Bridge North Plaza in North Little Rock and dedicated the Judy Lansky Memorial Pavilion there, honoring BACA co-founder Judy Lansky’s contributions and legacy. At the ribbon-cutting, officials praised Lansky’s instrumental role in creating the BDB100 and founding BACA, underscoring how BACA’s early vision has come full circle. As of 2025, engineering plans for the trail loop completion are in final review, and BACA is optimistic that the long-awaited groundbreaking will occur soon, a moment that will cap a 20+ year endeavor. “Much of what you see and take for granted if you ride a bike around here… stemmed from the work she did with BACA,” Ken Gould said of Judy Lansky, a statement that will ring especially true when the River Trail loop is finally closed.
     

  • Continued Advocacy and New Initiatives: BACA remains at the forefront of new cycling initiatives in Central Arkansas. It is actively involved in planning the Southwest Trail, ensuring that this regional trail project moves forward with input from cyclists. BACA vice-president, Joe Jacobs, spoke at the ribbon cutting for the first section of the Southwest Trail in the spring of 2025. BACA advocates have joined advisory teams to determine the trail’s alignment into downtown Little Rock and the connection to the Arkansas River Trail. BACA is also pushing for on-street network improvements identified in Little Rock’s 2015 Bike Master Plan (an outgrowth of Complete Streets). For example, the plan’s top priorities included a 3rd Street protected cycle track through midtown and a road diet with bike lanes on Markham Street. BACA has campaigned for these projects at ward meetings and budget hearings. In 2022, Little Rock finally approved a road diet on a stretch of Markham, which BACA hailed as progress toward a safer city grid. The organization also supported the bike lanes on Kavanaugh Boulevard in Hillcrest (a key corridor that links to downtown). Each incremental project, a new bike lane, a safer crossing, a multi-use path along a road, receives BACA’s attention, technical feedback, and public support to help it succeed.
     

  • Broader Vision and Equity: In recent advocacy, BACA emphasizes that bike infrastructure is not just about recreation, but also about equity, transportation choice, and economic development. The organization has aligned its messaging with broader community goals, such as reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and expanding access to opportunities. BACA has partnered with local groups focused on transit and walking to promote Complete Streets for all. By situating bicycle advocacy in a larger context of livability and equity, BACA has garnered support from non-cyclists as well. Community leaders in health, sustainability, and business now often stand alongside BACA in calling for bike/ped improvements, recognizing that what’s good for cyclists, safe streets and trails, benefits the entire community.
     

As BACA moves forward, it stands on a solid record of achievements. The organization’s accomplishments span infrastructure (from the Big Dam Bridge to hundreds of miles of trails and bike lanes), education (programs reaching youth and adults across Central Arkansas), policy (laws and ordinances that institutionalize bike-friendliness), events (annual rides and initiatives that have become local traditions), and partnerships (a network of allies from city hall to grassroots groups) – all built over 20+ years of dedicated volunteer advocacy.

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Conclusion and Legacy

 

What began in 2004 as a small alliance to support a single bridge has grown into a driving force behind an entire region’s bicycle renaissance. Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas has left an indelible mark on the landscape: every time a cyclist rolls across the Big Dam Bridge, navigates a bike lane in Little Rock, or enjoys the Arkansas River Trail, they are benefiting from BACA’s work. BACA’s unified voice for better infrastructure, its education and encouragement efforts, and its influence on policy have collectively made Central Arkansas safer and more welcoming for cyclists of all ages.

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BACA’s story is one of persistence and partnership. Founders like Judy Lansky and Ken Gould set the course by proving that citizen advocates can achieve “impossible” projects. Successive leaders – Mason Ellis, Tom Ezell, Bud Laumer, Coreen Frazier, Stacy Tierney, Jason Barr, Joe Jacobs, and many others – carried the torch through the years, professionalizing the organization and expanding its reach. Together with countless volunteers and partners, they built a legacy of accomplishments: new bridges and trails, laws that protect cyclists, a generation of riders empowered with skills, and a community that increasingly embraces cycling as “a safe, practical, and equitable means of travel”.

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As of 2025, BACA is poised for its next chapter. City officials acknowledge that “if you ride a bike in Central Arkansas, BACA has contributed to your experience in ways you may not fully appreciate.” (littlerock.gov) Looking ahead, BACA’s most effective years may still lie ahead, but its 21-year history already stands as a model of advocacy driving real change. By continuing to work “to improve the safety, convenience, and acceptance of bicycling” in Central Arkansas, BACA honors its rich history even as it charts new victories for the future of cycling in the region.

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