LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- One way to save money at the pump, stay in shape and help the environment is to ride a bike. While we have many trails perfect for it, riding on the streets can be dangerous.
A group of cyclists is hoping to change that. We spoke with several bikers who say we've come a long way when it comes to biking, but they still want more.
They want to add biking lanes to make biking safer and more practical.
"The river trail is great and the streets are a jungle." Van Warren bikes nearly every day in downtown Little Rock, he says these streets need a few changes.
"We need a line, marking where bikes can ride and where trucks and SUVs can ride." And that's one of the many things President Tim McKuin of Bicycle Advocacy in Central Arkansas wants to change. He also wants to lengthen the river trail.
"We are pushing to extend it into the city, so instead of just a recreational city more people can use it to ride their bike to work or to the grocery store or ride to church."
The extension includes building a new trail that would connect with the medical mile and go past the capitol and up to Central High School. McKuin says when it comes to central Arkansas the number one thing we need is a connected network of bike lanes throughout downtown Little Rock.
Jeremy Lewno owns Bobby's Bike Hike in the River Market, he says the changes could really showcase Little Rock.
"People would be able to go into different parts like the Quapaw quarters, Central High School, the State Capitol and you would be able to see all of Little Rock, not just the river." And all the work, Warren says is not just a positive change, but a lifeline.
"It's a great way to get fit, I spend a lot of my time behind screens and getting out on my bike is very important to me."
Mayor Stodola says the city is looking to hire a part time bike pedestrian coordinator, and as far as quick fixes go, he says the city is adding bike lanes on 12th Street and hopes to start on the lanes this fall.
The new trails aren't a done deal, the city is working to find grants to build them.