Bicycle building was a cornerstone of Little Rock’s industrial landscape during the mid-20th century. An AMF bicycle plant was established in Little Rock in the 1950s after a labor dispute in Ohio, caused the company to move to Arkansas. The plant quickly became a significant employer in the city. (As a kid in the mid-1960s, my first bike was one of these Little Rock AMF bikes, I lived in Montana at the time.) You can read more about the history of the plant in an article that previous Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas, president, Monty Cole wrote for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 2014.

The booming postwar economy and baby boom generation created a surge in bicycle demand, fueling the plant’s growth throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Roadmaster, a popular brand produced at the Little Rock facility, became synonymous with childhood memories for many Americans. However, economic shifts and changing consumer preferences began to impact the bicycle industry in the 1970s, marking the beginning of a decline for the once-thriving plant and the move to production in Asia.
Currently, Allied Cycle Works, builds high-end carbon road, gravel, and mountain bikes in a factory in Bentonville and Time Bikes has its US office in Little Rock but continues to build in Europe.
A new piece of legislation known as the Domestic Bicycle Production Act (DBPA) has been introduced in the United States, aiming to enhance domestic bicycle manufacturing while addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable transportation. As cities around the globe face traffic congestion and pollution, bicycles have emerged as a popular solution for urban mobility and a healthier lifestyle.
Addressing Key Challenges
The DBPA was introduced in response to significant challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the vulnerabilities of relying heavily on overseas manufacturing for essential goods. As cycling gained popularity as a safe mode of transportation during lockdowns, demand surged, leading to widespread shortages and delays in bicycle availability.
The act also seeks to mitigate the environmental impact of transporting goods over long distances. Bicycles, often considered a green alternative to cars, contribute to carbon emissions when produced overseas and shipped internationally. By incentivizing domestic production, the DBPA aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with bicycle transportation and create a more resilient supply chain.
Key Objectives
The DBPA has three primary objectives:
- Revitalize Domestic Manufacturing: The act proposes tax incentives, grants, and subsidies to encourage U.S. companies to manufacture bicycles and components domestically. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to foster a diverse and resilient manufacturing sector.
- Enhance Supply Chain Resilience: By promoting local production, the DBPA seeks to develop a robust domestic supply chain that includes the manufacturing of critical bicycle components such as frames, tires, and electronics. This shift aims to reduce dependency on global supply chains and associated risks.
- Promote Sustainable Transportation: The DBPA intends to make bicycles more accessible and affordable, aligning with federal and state initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The economic implications of the DBPA could be substantial, with industry analysts predicting the creation of thousands of new jobs in manufacturing and related sectors. The act may also stimulate innovation in bicycle technology, particularly in electric bikes and advanced materials, positioning the U.S. as a leader in sustainable mobility.
From an environmental standpoint, the DBPA is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of bicycles. By encouraging local production, the act aims to make cycling even more environmentally friendly, aligning with national goals for achieving net-zero emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its potential benefits, the DBPA faces challenges, particularly regarding the competitiveness of domestically produced bicycles. U.S. manufacturers may struggle to compete with lower-cost imports from countries with established manufacturing industries, such as China and Taiwan. To address this, the act includes funding provisions for research and development to help American manufacturers innovate and cut production costs.
Additionally, there is a concern that large corporations could dominate the domestic bicycle market, potentially sidelining smaller manufacturers. To counter this, the DBPA includes provisions aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and promoting fair competition.
The Domestic Bicycle Production Act represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing several pressing issues facing the United States today. By revitalizing domestic manufacturing, enhancing supply chain resilience, and promoting sustainable transportation, the DBPA has the potential to create lasting positive impacts on both the economy and the environment. As cities continue to prioritize cycling as a vital component of their mobility strategies, this act could play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation in America.
It’s not hard to visualize a return to major bicycle manufacturing in The Natural State.
One Response
I want to thank the author for this beautifully-written article about something even this rabid bike fan hadn’t considered. America is increasingly engaged towards localism- eat local, shop local… And anything but a return to manufacturing local, as well, is “loca”!