40 Miles of Bike Trails in NW Arkansas?

Not yet, but soon. Bicycling for fitness, recreation, and commuting continues to increase in NW Arkansas. There are many trails available throughout the area, and things are going to get even better.

The Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway Proposal recently announced it will receive $15 million through the Department of Transportation's "Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Program."

The money will be used to build new trails to connect with existing trails. The finished project will boast 40 miles of non-motorized trails from south Fayetteville to Bella Vista. Bicyclists will be able to access it from those two cities as well as points in Johnson, Springdale, Lowell, and Rogers and Bentonville.

Bicycle shops are open for business throughout the area. The beauty and weather of NW Arkansas add to the ambiance. New events for bicyclists are popping up. Bentonville seems to have taken the lead in that area with races, bicycle rodeos, safety exhibitions, and even importing some well known bicyclists for a meet and greet.

The Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks has helped establish trails across the region, expanded its adult education program and incorporated bicycle safety programs into school curriculums. Its efforts have been so successful, Fayetteville has been designated by League of American Bicyclists as one of only two "Bicycle Friendly Communities" in Arkansas (Little Rock being the other).

Makes me want to grab my helmet and get some exercise. Maybe I'll see you there.

For more information:

Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks

City of Bentonville (Click on links at right of page for master plan, existing trails, etc.)

City of Fayetteville (Information about trails and trail maps)

City of Rogers (Information about trails and trail maps)

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