08 Oct 2023 Catching a CAB in Conway
By David Grimes
If you have noticed more and more bicyclists pedaling around Conway in recent years, you are not alone. And it is no accident. Several groups, both public and private, are working to help make Conway a hub for the growing cycling movement. And the Conway Advocates for Bicycling (CAB) is at the forefront of these efforts.
Founded in 2009, CAB is a member of the League of American Bicyclists, which is a national organization. CAB works closely with the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB) to make Conway accessible for all residents and to improve its biking and walking infrastructure with signage, trails and designated bike lanes.
Conway is home to many popular cycling routes and has many miles of family-friendly bike trails. Its dedicated bike route, “Reddin’s Route,” commemorates Greg Reddin, a champion and advocate for bicycling initiatives in Conway who lost his battle with terminal illness in 2016.
These collective efforts have helped the city achieve and retain certification by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze Level. It now has set its sights on attaining Silver Level certification.
Peter Mehl is one of the founding members of CAB and is still a board member. He is also a former member of BPAB and has a certification from the League of American Bicyclists to teach the Smart Cycling class, which is offered at least once per year. An avid cyclist since childhood, Mehl reiterates why all this is important to our area. “By supporting cycling, a community affirms the importance of alternative transportation, healthy lifestyles and quality of life for all citizens,” he said.
David DeRosa is the past president of CAB and a current board member. Growing up in Southern California, he experienced a sense of adventure by using his bike to explore the areas in and around his home near Los Angeles. DeRosa stresses that this is a diverse sport for all ages, genders and sizes and that just about any type of bike will do.
He elaborated on CAB’s objectives that “we work with state and local governments on the development of paths, routes, lanes and trails. They are designed to help us safely navigate our way across town.” This is especially important as people not only use bicycles for exercise and recreation, but many also rely on them for basic transportation needs, including getting to and from work or school.
CAB’s mission includes encouraging the development and use of facilities (bike paths, routes, lanes and trails) for bicycling, providing educational information for both bicyclists and motorists, defending the rights of bicyclists, and providing bicycle safety training. It also stays busy sponsoring activities that provide more opportunities for the citizens of Conway to enjoy bicycling, including Bike to Work and Bike to School.
CAB recently hosted its annual Conway Fall Classic on Sept. 16 in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County. Beginning and ending at Antioch Baptist Church, the three routes accommodate various riding levels: 23 miles, 40 miles and 62 miles.
The group also sponsors the Conway Cycling Project, formerly known as Bike Share and Repair. Residents of Conway are able to access affordable repairs and maintenance, as well as receive safety instruction. Used bicycles can be donated here, where they are cleaned up and repaired if needed and donated to local organizations, including the Conway Ministry Center, Soul Food Cafe, CoHo, CAPCA and the Women’s Shelter.
It also collaborates with the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce on BiketoberFest, with a number of activities throughout October. During Toad Suck Daze weekend each May, CAB works with the Literacy Council to host the Tour de Toad bike ride. Other sponsored activities include in-season Monday and Wednesday CAB rides leaving from the McGee Center, again with different routes for riders of different abilities.
CAB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and its mission is supported by dues-paying members; and you don’t even have to be a cyclist to support the group. Annual memberships start at just $5, and an entire family can join for $15. More information about Conway Advocates for Bicycling can be found on their website at cycleconway.com.
