Whether it is getting more kids on bikes, bike education, gathering at events, trail building, or refurbishing old bikes for the community—when it comes to developing a world-class bicycling destination, there is no Ozark mountain our region’s bike advocates won’t climb. Here is the latest beat on the streets of the NW Arkansas bike scene.
All Kids Bike
Strider Program
Strider bikes help kids learn to ride quickly and easily, by teaching them how to balance and steer before overwhelming them with propulsion and speed. Through partnerships with the Walton Family Foundation and the Strider Foundation, BikeNWA was able to bring Strider bikes and curriculum to six area elementary schools starting in Springdale Schools. The premlinary results are promising, assessment data is showing a 43% increase in the number of students in kindergarten and first grade able to ride a bike after completing the Strider Pilot Program!
If you want to learn more about Striders, read this article and/or attend the next DRAFT meetup in downtown Rogers. The founder, Ryan McFarland, is one of the guest speakers. DRAFT meetups are designed to bring communities together to celebrate the latest bike industry innovations.
All Kids Bike
Bike Clubs
BikeNWA has also launched an effort to increase the number of school bike clubs. This educational and fun program teaches students bicycle safety and bicycling skills. It also works to build self-esteem, inspire healthy lifestyles, and encourage individual responsibility along the way. In the program, the students gain confidence while learning to ride bicycles on campus, area trails, and on approved neighborhood streets while also being encouraged to walk and bike to school.
Interested in bringing a bike club to your school, signing up your student to participate, or sponsoring a club? Learn more and connect with Education Programs Director Anya Bruhin, below.
All Kids Bike
Bike Clubs
BikeNWA has also launched an effort to increase the number of school bike clubs. This educational and fun program teaches students bicycle safety and bicycling skills. It also works to build self-esteem, inspire healthy lifestyles, and encourage individual responsibility along the way. In the program, the students gain confidence while learning to ride bicycles on campus, area trails, and on approved neighborhood streets while also being encouraged to walk and bike to school.
Interested in bringing a bike club to your school, signing up your student to participate, or sponsoring a club? Learn more and connect with Education Programs Director Anya Bruhin, below.
Switching Gears
Upcoming Events
Before we jump into some civic engagement-related stuff, here is a quick roundup of upcoming bike-friendly community events.
August 29th | DRAFT: Rogers
September 7th | Square 2 Square
September 15th | Open Streets Rogers
Switching Gears
In the Headlines
Did you check out the new Oz Trails video? Or see the Wizards of Oz featured in the Wall Street Journal? How about the Women of Oz featured in Only In Arkansas? It’s cool, we’ve got you covered.
Only In AR | Women of Oz
Switching Gears
In the Headlines
Did you check out the new Oz Trails video? Or see the Wizards of Oz featured in the Wall Street Journal? How about the Women of Oz featured in Only In Arkansas? It’s cool, we’ve got you covered.
Only In AR | Women of Oz
Civic Engagement
Mobility Leadership and More
BikeNWA has rolled out a new Mobility Leadership program and the next training is on Saturday, August 24th in Bentonville! If any of this resonates then this program is for you:
- Are you interested in making a difference within your community and increasing the safety of our streets?
- Do you have great ideas about how to improve the amount of people using active transportation?
- Are you passionate about bikes?
- Do you need some additional help with strategies and ideas on what the next steps are for your initiative?
Civic Engagement
Public Input & Volunteerism
Our bike community is abundant with compassionate individuals looking to aid the future by building a world-class bicycle network that improves connectivity across Northwest Arkansas and promotes all ages and abilities having access to bikes. Here are some ways to join the movement!
Take this quick 5-question survey. This survey will give BikeNWA insights into how far you ride with your family, reasons for riding, and your experiences!
Are you a cyclist in Bentonville? Join the conversation around the updated Bentonville Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan by taking this survey.
Volunteer with cycling-related nonprofits! One of our personal favorites is the bike building opportunities on Monday’s and Saturday’s with Pedal It Forward NWA. Currently, Walmart is matching eligible volunteer hours by community members or associates equal to $10 in honor of each volunteer hour.
Civic Engagement
Public Input & Volunteerism
Our bike community is abundant with compassionate individuals looking to aid the future by building a world-class bicycle network that improves connectivity across Northwest Arkansas and promotes all ages and abilities having access to bikes. Here are some ways to join the movement!
Take this quick 5-question survey. This survey will give BikeNWA insights into how far you ride with your family, reasons for riding, and your experiences!
Are you a cyclist in Bentonville? Join the conversation around the updated Bentonville Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan by taking this survey.
Volunteer with cycling-related nonprofits! One of our personal favorites is the bike building opportunities on Monday’s and Saturday’s with Pedal It Forward NWA. Currently, Walmart is matching eligible volunteer hours by community members or associates equal to $10 in honor of each volunteer hour.
New Bike Park
City Lake Siloam Springs
Lastly, located just 3 miles from downtown Siloam Springs, the newly renovated City Lake Park hosts several features including 5 miles of beginner and intermediate multi-use soft surface trails, mountain bike optimized directional flow trails, hiking trails, a large bicycle skills course and pump track. The new pump track was built by Olympic BMX track builder Tom Ritz.
