Welcoming New Neighbors: Empowering Access and Belonging in Our Trails and Active Transportation
Byline: Malath Alarnosi, Case Management Supervisor at Canopy NWA
Northwest Arkansas is a growing region with a diverse community. As the area continues to grow, local organizations are working together to ensure that the amenities and resources available here are accessible to all who call NWA home. Trailblazers’ mission is movement for all, which includes efforts empowering access and fostering belonging in the trails and active transportation communities.
Since moving to the United States from Iraq, I’ve lived in many cities across the country. I've now lived in Northwest Arkansas for three years, and it's become home to me. I love working here and raising my three children. Our favorite activity is exploring the trails around Fayetteville. However, for some, these trails aren't just for leisure; they're vital. Northwest Arkansas excels in community engagement and infrastructure development. To enhance access, it is essential to continue investing in safe trails and active transportation, education, and raising awareness.
Malath at Lake Fayetteville, her favorite spot on the trail network.
Barriers for New Neighbors
I work as a Case Management Supervisor at Canopy NWA, the premier and sole refugee resettlement agency in Northwest Arkansas. Refugees flee their homes to become our neighbors and begin anew here. For some, they depend on the trails for essential activities like grocery shopping or commuting to work.
One of our new neighbors is two brothers who used these trails for a year to get to their jobs at Walmart daily to support their family. It was challenging, especially in inclement weather, but it underscores the importance of these trails for independence.
The scarcity of affordable housing near trails and transportation options, coupled with inadequate promotion, presents challenges. Although Ozark Regional Transit is attempting to bridge the gap, buses often deviate from their schedules, making them an unreliable option for commuting to work or taking children to childcare.
Additionally, there is a need to actively acquaint our neighbors with the trails, as many have never biked or used public transportation before and require encouragement to try these activities with friends, ensuring they feel welcomed, safe, and informed about the equipment. Addressing these concerns is vital for promoting inclusivity.
Creating Change in Northwest Arkansas
Cycling organizations and communities in Northwest Arkansas work together to actively foster access and inclusivity on trails and transportation systems. At Canopy NWA, we partner with Pedal It Forward to supply bicycles to our new neighbors, and through Trailblazers, we arrange first rides for adults. A significant challenge we encounter is the extensive waiting list for bike availability. Ideally, I would like to see our neighbors receive bikes for the first 2-4 weeks in Northwest Arkansas, which could aid in social integration, enhance job opportunities, and promote independence.
Northwest Arkansas residents can advocate for change that promotes accessibility and inclusivity by educating themselves on the resources available and the barriers to accessibility that exist, volunteering, supporting local initiatives, and fostering discussions on inclusivity. Being aware of the struggles with transportation and understanding how to navigate the system is crucial. Enforcing the rules of using the trails and familiarizing oneself with the system is important. I've noticed that many volunteers with Canopy NWA’s Circle of Welcome program have never tried the bus before and didn't realize its complexity until they had to assist and introduce it to our neighbors. I suggest trying to ride the bus yourself to understand it better.
Even with the barriers that exist for our new neighbors, Northwest Arkansas’s efforts stand out positively compared to other regions. The commitment to accessibility and community engagement sets a strong example.
For those unfamiliar with NWA’s trails, I’d say: Start small, explore with friends, and enjoy the natural beauty. It’s a rewarding experience! And don't forget to extend an invitation to your new neighbors.
Canopy’s Circle of Welcome is a rewarding experience. Those interested in joining can learn more or fill out an interest form on the website.If you want to get involved and further the mission of movement for all, you can visit the Trailblazers website to learn more about volunteer opportunities or subscribe to the monthly newsletter to stay up to date on projects and developments.
About the Author:
Malath Alarnosi, Case Management Supervisor at CanopyNWA:
Malath Alarnosi, an Iraqi-American artist, photographer, and mother of three children, works with Canopy NWA as part of the resettlement team. She assists new neighbors during their resettlement period, helping them to build their new lives in Northwest Arkansas.
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.
