Trailblazers Releases Northwest Arkansas Trails & Active Transportation Equity Report
Bentonville, Ar–Trailblazers, a non-profit organization whose core work is trail development and consulting and community outreach and advocacy, is pleased to announce the publication of the Northwest Arkansas Trails and Active Transportation Equity Report. This comprehensive report, available to the public on June 5th, provides a detailed analysis of the perceptions, use, and potential barriers to access for the region's current state of trails and active transportation infrastructure.
The report was created through a collaborative effort with Equitable Cities and Bike.POC, which involves input from diverse stakeholders, including community members. It is part of Trailblazers' ongoing efforts to promote active transportation options and elevate the quality of life for residents of Northwest Arkansas.
The Northwest Arkansas Trails and Active Transportation Equity Report emphasizes the importance of providing equal access to active transportation options for all community members, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.
Additionally, the report identifies areas where improvements can be made to ensure that trails and active transportation infrastructure and culture are accessible, safe, and convenient for everyone.
"The Northwest Arkansas Trails and Active Transportation Equity Report represents a step towards establishing a more equitable and sustainable transportation system in our region," stated Trailblazers' Community Organizer, Prentis Grayson. "We trust this report will be a valuable resource for community leaders, policymakers, and advocates as we work collaboratively to create a more connected, healthy, and vibrant Northwest Arkansas."
A culmination of both quantitative and qualitative data, the three-part research includes:
NWA Trails & Active Equity Map
The NWA Trails & Active Transportation Equity Map is a user-friendly visual map highlighting the areas within NWA where access to trails and active transportation infrastructure options could be improved and may need interventions for improved active transportation equity. This online interactive map uses recent census data of NWA trails and the active transportation network to examine patterns of inequity in the network.
Trails & Active Transportation Focus Group
Trailblazers hired Equitable Cities, an urban planning, public policy research firm, and partnered with Bike.POC to conduct a series of focus groups about barriers to shared-use paved trail use and active transportation in NWA. Through these focus groups, Trailblazers heard the invaluable insights of local NWA residents who voiced concerns about road design, personal safety on trails and transportation, and lack of representation in active sports publications and advertising.
NWA Paved Trail Inclusivity Survey
Trailblazers created and distributed an inclusivity survey, informed by results from the focus groups, to better understand the use of the Razorback Greenway and other NWA shared-use paved trails. In efforts to address the trail and active transportation issues that surfaced in the NWA Trails and Active Transportation Equity Report, Trailblazers has recruited a diverse team to its newly formed Trails, Cycling and Active Transportation Advisory Council – a group of 13 compensated residents impassioned to reduce barriers to trails and transportation in the area.
The Advisory Council comprises individuals who reflect the diversity of identities and communities mentioned in the report, ensuring a more holistic and inclusive decision-making process.
To learn more about the Northwest Arkansas Trails and Active Transportation Equity Report and obtain a copy, please visit Trailblazers' website on June 5th.
Any interested media members that would be interested in producing an article or interviews in reference to the NWA Trails and Active Transportation Equity Report, please contact Prentis@WeAreTrailblazers.org
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.
Equitable Cities
Equitable Cities is an urban planning, public policy, and research firm working at the intersection of transportation, health, and equity.
Bike.POC
Bike.POC is a community organization that creates intentional spaces for black, Indigenous, and people of color (Bike.POC), and other marginalized people to explore cycling in Northwest Arkansas.