The Old Wire Cycle Track in east Fayetteville includes lanes for both bicycle riders and pedestrians (see more photos).

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

Fayetteville has once again been designated as a Walk Friendly Community, and remains the only city in Arkansas to achieve the honor.

The four-year national recognition, announced by Walk Friendly Communities, was first given to Fayetteville at the bronze level in 2018.

The latest report states that Fayetteville was given the bronze designation again “because of its trail system, great planning practices, support for sidewalk construction, and use of pedestrian hybrid beacons.”

The program was developed to encourage towns and cities across the country to establish or recommit to a high priority for supporting safer walking environments. Communities achieve the status by working to improve a wide range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access and comfort.

A map shows the locations of 82 cities and towns across the U.S. that are designated as Walk Friendly Communities.

(Walk Friendly Communities)

The group also cites the city’s Active Transportation Plan, Mobility Plan, sidewalk program and the 2019 bond referendum that secured funding for sidewalks and trails for the next 10 years as reasons why Fayetteville deserves the status.

Fayetteville officials have coordinated with the Arkansas Highway Department to install pedestrian hybrid beacons on all at-grade trail crossings on state highways. The city is also using passive detection alert signals at high usage mid-block crossings.

» See all Walk Friendly Communities