Bella Vista's Active Mobility Boom: Big Momentum for the Summer of '26

The summer of 2026 is bringing a massive wave of attention to Bella Vista, Arkansas. With the formation of a brand-new Mountain Bike Stage Race and the upcoming opening of a world-class bike park, the eyes of the region—and the country—are firmly on us.

But while the influx of new events and amenities is incredibly exciting, the true power of what is happening in Bella Vista runs much deeper. Beneath the surface, a powerful shift is propelling this town into a future of active mobility.

The City of Bella Vista is spearheading several distinct projects, all driven by a singular, powerful goal: connecting more rooftops. Here is a brief snapshot of the incredible momentum taking shape right now:

1. Education, Communication, and Outreach

The City of Bella Vista has officially received a grant for tailored messaging, outreach resources, and a local communications plan centered around traffic safety. This strategy will soon be deployed across a variety of community channels and venues.

“Toole Design commends the City of Bella Vista for taking this important step toward fostering a strong culture of safety rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility on our roads. We look forward to partnering with the City and community members to create a Communications, Education, and Outreach Plan that reflects local values and supports safer streets and trails for everyone.” — David Criswell, Toole Design

2. Highway 71 Feasibility Study

The City of Bella Vista is proposing a comprehensive planning and engineering study focused on increasing safety and active transportation connectivity. The goal is to adapt US-71 into a more context-appropriate, multi-modal transportation asset that enhances the overall quality of life for the entire region.

3. Trails and Greenway Masterplan Update

It is time for an upgrade! Bella Vista is updating its 2015 Trails and Greenway Masterplan to better reflect past successes and future developments that are anticipated to have large regional and national draws. A core focus of this update is to increase multi-modal connectivity, ultimately leading to an overall reduction in motorized vehicle reliance.

4. Blowing Springs Greenway Phase II Construction

This highly anticipated project will deliver a 1.6-mile continuation of the existing Blowing Springs Greenway, stretching from the Metfield Skills Park to a brand-new, ADA-accessible trailhead facility on Sleaford Lane. With the design already complete, Bella Vista is fully preparing to move forward with environmental studies and construction.

“Blowing Springs Greenway Phase II is a project Bella Vista has earned. The City put in the planning work, the design is done, and the community has been asking for this connection for years. Extending this greenway from Metfield to Sleaford Lane means real access for real people — and we’re proud to help make that happen alongside a city and coalition that truly gets it.” — Victor Gurel, Trailblazers

5. Side Path Project Continuation: Reimagining the Right of Way

Alongside Arkansas Moves and Trailblazers, the City of Bella Vista continues to seek out and find innovative spaces to Reimagine the Right of Way. Following the great success and high community utilization of the side path project near Metfield, more are on the way—including a new project on the West side launching as early as June!

6. A closer look at the Razorback Greenway Corridor

Through a partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, Bella Vista will soon begin Phase II of the Razorback Greenway Corridor plan alongside Bentonville and Rogers. This phase will explore safer trail design, new creek-side connections, and opportunities for mixed-use activity as the Greenway extends north.

“The Greenway plays a unique role in Bella Vista by connecting recreation, natural systems and regional access,” said Taylor Robertson, planning and development director for the City of Bella Vista. “This effort will support Bella Vista’s identity as an outdoor destination while also planning for targeted mixed-use activation along the corridor.”

The Next Chapter of Active Mobility

Each of these initiatives, in its own right, is a massive project and a vital momentum builder for a town entering its next chapter.

At Arkansas Moves, we have been absolutely thrilled to partner on several of these projects and help amplify the community's desire to move. The momentum in Bella Vista is very real, and these featured initiatives are just the ones that are officially moving forward.

These are incredibly exciting times for active transportation. Stay connected with us to see what else is on the horizon!