Photo courtesy City of Fayetteville
Nine businesses in Fayetteville have been designated as Bicycle Friendly Businesses, more than any other in the state, according to the latest figures released by the League of American Bicyclists.
Each year the league recognizes businesses for their efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers, and the community.
Dane Eifling, Bicycle Programs Coordinator said the city’s reputation as a bicycle friendly community is well earned. Eifling said with more than 60 miles of paved and soft surface trails for biking, Fayetteville has made it easier for businesses to attract new customers and employees arriving by bicycle.
“Having more bicycle friendly businesses in Fayetteville helps encourage people to bike to work, shop, or eat,” Eifling said. “Biking for transportation and recreation contributes to an overall improvement in quality of life. A community that encourages this is attractive to businesses and new residents.”
» Apply to become a Bicycle Friendly Business
According to the American Commuting Survey, 1.2 percent of commutes in Fayetteville were made by bicycle in 2014. City leaders hope to increase that number to 2.5 percent by the year 2020 through a series of education and infrastructure projects, including the “Mayor’s Box,” a system of east/west and north/south roadways around the perimeter of the city, all connected to miles of trails and sidewalks.
“We have a 20-mile box around the city that we’ve designated as the major growth area, and we plan to have four-lane roads surrounding this box,” said Mayor Lioneld Jordan. “Green space and wide shared-use paved trails will be on one side of the roadways and sidewalks with green space on the other side. You can take a bus. You can drive a car. You can ride a bike, or you can walk around the city.”
» View the Fayetteville Active Transportation Plan (PDF)
For more information about the plan and the city’s bicycle programs, call the Sustainability and Resilience Department at 479-575-8211.
Arkansas Bicycle Friendly Businesses
Bentonville
Friends of Arkansas Singletrack (F.A.S.T)
Kids Bike Arkansas
Walmart Stores, Inc.
Conway
Kimberly-Clark Corporation of Conway
The Ride
Fayetteville
City of Fayetteville
Crown Barbershop
Einstein Bros Bagels
Fayetteville Public Library
Garver of Fayetteville
Highroller Cyclery
Maurice Jennings + Walter Jennings Architects
Specialized Real Estate Group
Viridian
Jonesboro
Gearhead Outfitters
Little Rock
Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care
Bobby’s Bike Hike
Chainwheel Inc.
North Little Rock
Garver
Rogers
Crafton Tull
Highroller Cyclery
Source: League of American Bicyclists
