Cover photo by @partyatpacks on Instagram
National Bike Month Challenge
NWA Loves to Ride
In total, 1,355 Northwest Arkansas residents took part in the Bike Month Challenge in May. Altogether they pedaled 202,396 miles and saved 6,642 lbs of CO2!
Nationally, Northwest Arkansas stood atop the leaderboards once again. Walmart (#1), University of Arkansas (#2) and J.B. Hunt (#7) all ranked in the top 10 of workplaces with 2,000+ employees. In addition, smaller workplaces including Thaden School, Phat Tire Bike Shop, Modus Studio, Henderson Engineers, Buddy Pegs, BikeNWA and Pedal it Forward landed in top spots.
Overall, our local communities also scored high marks: Fayetteville and Springdale ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 75-150k residents category. Bentonville ranked 2nd in the 25-75k residents category and Siloam Springs ranked 3rd in the 25k residents category.
Up next, Cycle September!
UPCOMING EVENT: CRITICAL MASS SUMMIT
BikeNWA and NWA Trailblazers are pleased to announce the first-ever Critical Mass Summit, supported by the Walton Family Foundation. A two-day event designed to engage underrepresented populations including all women (cis and trans), women of color and the non-binary community in the cycling and active transportation movement. Critical Mass Summit will be held virtually on Friday, July 23 and in person on Saturday, July 24, 2021.
City Ratings
A Place for Bikes
PeopleForBikes recently released their annual city ratings—ranking 750 cities and communities around the world based on the quality of a city’s bicycle network and local sentiment about biking in their city.
Fayetteville scored the highest community score among midsize cities placing it 27th out of 342 cities in its category. Bentonville scored the third-highest community score among small cities placing it 30th out of 321 cities in its category. Bella Vista, Rogers and Springdale joined Fayetteville and Bentonville to be listed among the Top 200 cities worldwide.
City Ratings
A Place for Bikes
PeopleForBikes recently released their annual city ratings—ranking 750 cities and communities around the world based on the quality of a city’s bicycle network and local sentiment about biking in their city.
Fayetteville scored the highest community score among midsize cities placing it 27th out of 342 cities in its category. Bentonville scored the third-highest community score among small cities placing it 30th out of 321 cities in its category. Bella Vista, Rogers and Springdale joined Fayetteville and Bentonville to be listed among the Top 200 cities worldwide.
The League of American Bicyclists
Bicycle Friendly NWA
With a history dating to 1880, the League of American Bicyclists leads the national movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America. As part of that mission, the league recognizes deserving communities and businesses across the nation at Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels for being bicycle-friendly destinations and workplaces.
Thanks in part to a joint effort by the City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, and local advocates promoting bicycling in businesses, the League of American Bicyclists has honored 30 businesses in Fayetteville with a Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) Award, putting Fayetteville at No. 6 nationally for total BFBs.
As part of the league’s Spring 2021 list, the City of Fayetteville received a Silver designation. Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale all hold Bronze designations. Overall, Northwest Arkansas is home to 45 BFBs and holds a Silver designation.
UPCOMING EVENT: BIKE EDUCATION SUMMIT
July 15 and July 22, BikeNWA will host two free online seminars for teachers and administrators currently implementing or interested in bike education for their school. Participants will discuss best practices, available programs, and curriculum (including the Riding for Focus and All Kids Bike programs) and authentic experiences in these sessions. BikeNWA will give schools strategies to have robust, holistic, and meaningful approaches to bicycle education in school.
All teachers, administrators, and community members working to improve bike education in their schools are invited to register for this FREE virtual summit.
