Panel Highlights the Positivity of ‘Better Together’ to Create Safer Streets That Work for Everyone
“Better Together” isn’t just a phrase. It’s a commitment to coming together as a community to shape a transportation system that serves everyone.”
No doubt, we’re better together, especially in Connecting Bentonville.
Adopted by the city in 2021, the Connecting Bentonville Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan ensures we, as a city, create a safe and functional infrastructure for all drivers, bicyclists, and walkers, allowing mobility for all ages, incomes and abilities within the city.
Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman and other city officials, along with the Coalition’s own Jessica Pearson, met in March to discuss current highlights and successes from the plan during the panel discussion, “Better Together in Transportation.”
“The panel gave us the opportunity to share how our coalition and the city are partnering together to make a real difference,” Jessica said. “More than changing infrastructure so that it’s safer and works for everyone, we are building it.”
Bentonville Moves Coalition manager Jessica Pearson, left, and Bentonville Mayor Stephanie Orman, second from left, along with city leaders at the “Better Together in Transportation” panel discussion.
As the nation’s fifth fastest-growing city in the U.S., Bentonville’s busiest roads see tens of thousands of vehicles daily. Average daily traffic on SW I Street at Thaden Field, for example, totals about 16,000 vehicles, with another 16,000 at SE J Street and SE 5th Street every day (the site of the Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness center).
During the panel, Mayor Orman said that “better together” involves “focusing on practical, cost-effective solutions that make our streets safer, reduce congestion and ensure taxpayers see real value.”
Creating Solutions By Building Connections
One of the best examples of our collective pledge to the Connecting Bentonville plan is the new Walmart Campus Connection. The project’s opening earlier this year creates a seamless, bike-friendly experience, connecting the campus to downtown Bentonville and surrounding areas, particularly the Razorback Greenway bike path.
More good news: Here’s a map that highlights the progress we’re making by showing what stage each infrastructure improvement project is in, the type of trail or connection created, and total miles completed to date.
“With these improvements Bentonville will see better connections between bikeways, roadways and sidewalks; safer routes for cars, bicycles and people on foot or with mobility issues; and less congestion and stress with navigating the best routes for everyone,” Jessica said.
Gaining Ground in More Public Support
More of our Bentonville friends also recognize the value of safe and functional transportation infrastructure for all our drivers, bicyclists, and walkers. This is momentum at its best!
A survey by the nonprofit City Thread showed 89% of Bentonville residents support the Connecting Bentonville plan, up from 80% who supported the plan just over a year ago.
“As Bentonville continues to grow, the challenges are real, but so is our shared commitment to accountability, excellence, and preserving the high quality of life that defines our community,” said Bentonville’s Mayor Stephanie Orman.
“The most effective transportation projects are built through shared resources, strong partnerships, and a unified vision for the future. When we work together with purpose and collaboration, lasting progress becomes possible.”
