The Walton Family Foundation studies show cycling was responsible for $137 million in benefits brought to Northwest Arkansas in 2017, according to the 2018 Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Northwest Arkansas. That figure includes $51 million in economic activity and $86 million in health benefits. The foundation has invested in cycling over the past decade, including $74 million to help build 163 miles of soft-surface and paved bike trails across the region.
District schools are helping to further identify needs by encouraging students to ride bikes to school in September through the Bike Bentonville Schools campaign, said Leslee Wright, district communications director.
The district has partnered with Runway Group for the initiative, she said.