Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bella Vista Board to focus on active transportation
BELLA VISTA — The city will soon have its own Active Transportation Advisory Board to advocate for trails and bicycle/walking infrastructure, advise on grant applications and trail projects and strive for equitable access to active transportation for all people.
The City Council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance establishing the new board during its Nov. 20 meeting.
The Bella Vista Active Transportation Advisory Board will have seven regular members and up to two ex-officio, nonvoting youth members, according to the ordinance.
Members will be appointed by the mayor after a review of their resume, then approved by the council at its Feb. 26 meeting, according to a city news release.
Regular members of the board must be residents or property owners in the city. Youth members must be residents in the city and be age 10 to 18. All members should have an interest in trails, active transportation, accessibility and civics, the ordinance states.
The ordinance further explains the appointment process, including initial terms on the board, terms for reappointment and youth member terms, which are capped at one year.
The advisory board will name a chairperson and a secretary, the latter being at the request of Council Member Larry Wilms, who proposed a few minor changes to the wording of the ordinance prior to the vote.
Duties of the board members include assisting in organizing efforts to raise awareness and support for trail and active transportation expansion; assisting in identifying and pursuing involvement in regional active transportation programs and opportunities; assisting in facilitating relevant local events; advising the city regarding policies relevant to trails and active transportation; advocating for the continued expansion and improvements of trails and active transportation facilities in keeping with Bella Vista’s comprehensive plan; and coordinating with other advisory boards and councils to improve trails and related active transportation facilities.
Justin Culpepper is the city’s trails and active transportation coordinator. In a memo to the council, he said formation of the board comes at the recommendation of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the Bella Vista Action Plan portion of the Northwest Arkansas Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which the city adopted in 2015.
“The primary purpose of the board will be to advocate for trails and bicycle and walking infrastructure in Bella Vista. Our hope is that the board will be composed of a diverse array of trail users — those that use them for recreation, for exercise or for commuting,” he said. “We hope for a board composed of young, old, experienced, new, as well as those with and without disabilities. As the demographics of Bella Vista continue to diversify, so must our approach to active transportation and ensuring that the needs of our residents are met.”
Culpepper said for the most part, the advisory board won’t differ much from the Tree Board or other boards found in most cities. However, he pointed out, “One difference is our desire to have two nonvoting youth members. With the spotlight currently shining on how many of our young people ride the school bus for multiple hours each day, and the fact that they’re a major user group of our trails, it seems fitting to give this group a voice when we are discussing issues that directly impact them.
“They will be nonvoting, but their input may prove invaluable as we attempt to tackle active transportation concerns that impact all generations of our residents.”
People are excited for this opportunity to serve their community and help ensure Bella Vista is a safer place to walk or cycle, Culpepper said.
“I’ve already received several emails and calls from those that see this as an opportunity to help shape our approach to trails and active transportation,” he said. “As the trails and active transportation coordinator, I look forward to having a think tank with an official voice to help make sure we’re moving in the right direction.”