Who We Are
The BCO is a 501(c)3 non-profit working to create a more bicycle-friendly community. We can remove obstacles to bicycling through improving Bicycle Education, & Bicycle Infrastructure. A more bicycle-friendly community is a happier, safer, healthier, more people-friendly community.
Policy
The BCO hopes to 'grow' cycling and increase the safety of ALL road users by introducing bicycle driver education into our daily lives. For some instant education, please see this well-written paper on the 'Dilemmas of Bicycle Planning ' by MIT professor Paul Schimek. Scroll down to Dilemma #8 for his discussion of the importance of education. It is a paper no Planner should miss.
Bicycle Advocates tend to shy away from education, and push for more capital spending on bicycle infrastructure, as the effects are more tangible. The BCO recognizes the importance of effective, safe, connecting infrastructure for cyclists. We also recognize that cyclists who learn to follow the rules of the road will fare far better than the average cyclist. In fact, better than most automobile users.
Education
Spread the Knowledge--
The BCO develops and distributes education cycling literature.
Kid's Bicycle Safety--
We offer training to beginner cyclists at our annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo.
Public Schools--
We are developing a public school bicycle safety curriculum for third grade physical education classes. An excellent bicycle safety program exists in Hawaii, and is described on their Bike Ed webpage. If you would like to help in securing funding and fleshing out such a program in Arkansas, please contact us at \n
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Drivers Education--
We succeeded in our campaign to include bicycle-specific additions to the AR State Driver's Education Manual.
Bike repair & Urban Rides--
The BCO offers Repair Clinics (check our Events section) and Urban Rides (check our Forum) for all ages.
Infrastructure - Bicycle-Friendly Roads, Trail & Greenway Networks
The BCO supports the proper design of the roadway system so that it transports people safely, not just more people faster. A compelling summary of reasons to support pedestrian and bicycle-friendly street design can be found at the America Bikes Complete the Streets fact sheet .
Many cities in Northwest Arkansas are developing comprehensive multi-modal transportation plans that encourage cycling. See The City of Fayetteville's Alternative Transportation and Trails page for maps and info about one City's efforts.
In Northwest Arkansas, several levels of government have design control over the various types of roads. Local city taxes fund city streets, State gas taxes help to fund our State Highways. Federal and State transportation dollars are behind many projects, and are funneled through our region's Metropolitan Planning Organization, which happens to be the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission . This organization has recently implemented a regional bikeway network that will offer a template of connectivity for all cities in our area. A map is available through their webpage.
