Eighty-seven percent of people surveyed in McDonald County said they visit nearby destinations outside the county to use a trail or pathway to have fun and exercise.
That kind of statistic -- and others gathered on the survey -- point to a growing need for McDonald County neighbors, said Tim Conklin, assistant executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.
That entity, along with the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, presented information at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan meeting on July 18 at the Pineville Community Center.
Conklin, who provided information that still needs to be developed further, said formal plans have not been approved.
Ideas include helping Pineville connect to Jane, Joplin and Bella Vista; connect to the Razorback Regional Greenway; and connect to area campgrounds and parks.
Recommendations include:
• Developing sidewalk links around the downtown and community center;
• Developing sidewalks in residential neighborhoods;
• Continuing to develop sidewalks in new residential development;
• Making crossing improvements along Eighth Street/Jesse James Road.
Potential opportunities include a protected bike lane along Rains Road to Highway H; a shared roadway connectivity through the city; and a paved trail from downtown to the Bike Park on Big Sugar Road. Construction on the trail to the Bike Park will begin in early August.
Several wide shoulders on U.S. 71 could provide enough room to build protected bike lanes. Utilizing rights-of-way also could be an option. Some areas are wide enough to accommodate a 12-ft. bike trail, allowing for a 30-ft. buffer zone from the travel area, he said.
The region's rapidly growing population dictates many opportunities. People wanting more options for biking, walking and exercising are voicing their needs and wants and creating ways to see that additional paths and trails are built.
Twenty-four years ago, trails didn't exist around the region, Conklin said. Now, the Razorback Regional Greenway stretches from Bella Vista to Fayetteville, providing many recreational and economic opportunities and spurring other towns to take action to build and connect.
The Bella Vista bypass, when complete, will provide additional opportunities as well, he said.
General News on 07/27/2017