Advocacy and Adaptation: Paving the Way for Inclusive Trails and Active Transportation in Northwest Arkansas
Trailblazers’ mission is movement for all. As the program manager for the Trail Adoption Program, I oversee and advocate for hundreds of adopters, the community, and the trails. The Trail Adoption Program preserves the trails of Northwest Arkansas by dividing them into manageable sections, each adopted by volunteers who commit to their care, allowing the community to keep moving on the trails in their everyday lives.
Throughout my time as the program manager and my personal experiences as a Deaf cyclist on the trails, I’ve gained a deep understanding of how the trails and active transportation networks can benefit the members of our community by being incorporated into their everyday lives. However, I’m also keenly aware of the challenges that exist for Deaf trail and active transportation users and other barriers to accessibility that impact the Northwest Arkansas community.
Joining New Communities: NWA and MTB
I have been in Northwest Arkansas since December of 2015. I moved here from Tucson, Arizona to be closer to my parents, who retired here. I have been riding bikes since I was a little girl; before moving here, I mostly rode commuting.
Living in Arizona, I didn’t own a car for a long time. So, cycling and using public transportation was the best way to get around. Now, working in downtown Bentonville, it is much easier to get around via bike.
When I moved here, I dated someone who mountain biked, and he told me I wouldn't be good at it. So, I basically said, “Watch me!”
My mountain bike and cycling journey has not been all roses and sunshine, though. Being one of the few Deaf cyclists locally has been frustrating. Being a Deaf cyclist is frustrating.
All helmets must be altered to fit my implant. Even so, I can’t hear cars or riders coming behind me, I still have feedback, and I have to turn the volume down on my implant. Being invited to cycling events, having to advocate for an ASL interpreter, and many times being told, “Sorry, we didn’t budget for that.” I was sideswiped by a car twice in 2023. I prefer to ride trails to wherever I am trying to go as opposed to the road.
I don’t have the ability to choose when I am Deaf or hearing. I am Deaf 24/7, and nothing will change that.
Embracing Adaptive Biking in Northwest Arkansas
During my time in Northwest Arkansas, I’ve seen a lot of change occur within the trails and active transportation space. The protected bike lanes in particular have been a game-changer! It is the only time I feel safe cycling as a form of commuting.
Our work at Trailblazers has evolved over the past few years as well, with continued efforts to showcase adaptive mountain biking in Northwest Arkansas. We currently have 84 adaptive trails and counting. Most other cycling areas have one or two ‘green” beginner trails, while we have really focused and dialed in on creating an environment for adaptive riders to progress and grow their skills here in Northwest Arkansas.
Currently, Trailblazers is putting the spotlight on a documentary called ‘Beyond the Ashes.' Our goal is to inspire and celebrate accomplishments in adaptive mountain biking, inviting people to witness these firsthand experiences and feel the transformative journey for these adaptive riders. We hope that our work in adaptive biking inspires the community to see the trails for themselves as we work towards making Northwest Arkansas the go-to cycling destination for adaptive riders.
About the Author, Shifting Culture and Trailblazers
About the Author:
Ciara Logan, Trail Adoption Program Manager at Trailblazers
Ciara Logan is a beacon of community engagement and inclusivity in Northwest Arkansas, particularly within the outdoor and biking communities. Relocating from Tucson, Arizona, she has significantly contributed to making biking and outdoor experiences accessible to all, including spearheading the first bike program for the Deaf community in Bentonville as the Bikeboom Coordinator. In her role as TAP/Trail Adoption Program Coordinator, Ciara has been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing local trails, ensuring they are accessible and safe, and fostering a sustainable natural environment and community well-being. Beyond her professional achievements, Ciara is deeply passionate about the outdoors, enjoying mountain biking, rock climbing, and life with her dogs on Beaver Lake. Her personal and professional endeavors have not only enriched the outdoor community but have also established new standards for inclusivity and accessibility, affirming the importance of outdoor adventures for everyone.
About Shifting Culture
Shifting Culture is a community-focused blog series by the non-profit organization Trailblazers. Our mission is to lead the development of an innovative regional recreation and transportation movement that places trails, cycling, and active transportation infrastructure at the core of an inclusive, vibrant, and healthy culture. Shifting Culture is a resource for underrepresented communities in Northwest Arkansas to build confidence in using the trail and active transportation network for all lifestyles, from practical to recreational uses.
About Trailblazers
Trailblazers is a non-profit formed in 2021 through the merger of NWA Trailblazers, an organization that has developed 300+ miles of multi-use trails, including the OZ Trails network BikeNWA, a bicycle advocacy and education-focused organization that has led the region in advocating for active transportation. Our core work areas include Trail Development and Consulting and Community Outreach and Advocacy.