Banking on bicycle tourism in Florida and Arkansas

Towns in Florida and Arkansas are looking forward to seeing tourism dollars rolling into their communities on bicycles.

The small town of Lake Helen, located southwest of Daytona Beach, hopes to become the state's biking mecca through the newly opened Florida Discovery Bicycle Center.

The center is the first in the state to combine adult bicycle touring and safety training. It's a joint effort by the Florida Bicycle Association, the town of Lake Helen, and River of Lakes Heritage Corridor.

20 adults

The biking center offers six-day, five-night vacations to groups of 20 bicyclists. They'll stay at a 1928 vintage hotel and eat at bed and breakfast inns around town.

While visitors learn about bicycle safety, they'll take 20- to 40-mile rides on the rural roads in western Volusia County. Bicycle riders will see the St. Johns River and small farms and visit Blue Spring State Park, Hontoon Island State Park, and the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

The training sessions are led by League of American Bicyclists instructors who will teach the basics of safe cycling.

The six-day sessions are scheduled twice a month (except December) through May. Check the Florida Discovery Bicycle Center website for schedule and registration.

Big Dam Bridge

Arkansas is hoping for a windfall from bicycle tourism with the opening of the Big Dam Bridge.

The 3,500-foot span across the Arkansas River is one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges, built at a cost of $12.5 million. It links two ends of the 17-mile River Trail, but also will be the focal point of an annual century ride that organizers hope will draw thousands of cyclists to the Little Rock area.

Joe David River, head of the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism, told the Arkansas Business Journal:

“We're particularly interested in this because there aren't many poor people biking these days. They ride expensive bikes and when they come here to do it they're going to stay in better hotels, eat fine meals and generally spend a lot of money. Anytime you can attract people to the state for an event who normally wouldn't come here, it's good.”

The state also boasts the Syllamo Trail System, comprising 50 miles of mountain biking through the Ozarks.