BikeNWA, a nonprofit organization, is bringing back a favorite initiative from 2020: Slow Streets NWA. This program was introduced during the pandemic to provide a safe outlet for residents in the northwest Arkansas area to get outside.
The nonprofit was founded in 1999 with a mission to increase involvement in making the northwest region more transportation friendly through alternative means of transportation such as a safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Through programs and events, BikeNWA has made strides in creating safer environments for walkers, runners and cyclists.
The recent initiative, Slow Streets NWA, set out to make neighborhoods, sidewalks and trails safer for citizens of Fayetteville, Rogers and Bentonville to use. Some areas of focus include narrow or missing sidewalks and signage reminding vehicles and road users to slow down and share the road with pedestrians.
For the year the program was introduced, 2020, outdoor activities became important features for social distancing protocols. Following the success of community involvement, BikeNWA is bringing the program back for Spring 2021, and this time they’re asking for a little more help from the community.
Conversations are happening to bring back Slow Streets across Northwest Arkansas, at the moment Bentonville and Fayetteville are expecting to kick off this spring The organization is planning program routes for those months, but the community is urged to provide BikeNWA with routes the locals feel need the most attention to create safe environments for walking, running, cycling and scooting.
Through a survey found here, BikeNWA is asking Arkansans to provide suggestions on where locals would like to see Slow Streets NWA routes. In the survey, respondents can specify which city/neighborhood and why they would like to see slow street routes implemented in that area.
More information and upcoming events can be found on BikeNWA’s website.
