Building Bicycle Infrastructure Capacity in Arkansas
GrantID: 57407
Grant Funding Amount Low: $150,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $320,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Arkansas's rural communities are increasingly recognizing the need for sustainable transportation options to promote environmental health and support local economies. While major urban areas like Little Rock enjoy developed transportation infrastructure, rural residents often find themselves without safe and reliable means of transport. According to the Arkansas Public Transportation Plan, over 80% of the state’s roads lie outside city limits and are primarily rural, leading to gaps in accessibility for residents in small towns.
Individuals in communities like Newton, Marion, and Sharp counties are particularly affected by these transportation shortages, often relying on personal vehicles for essential trips like grocery shopping or medical appointments. The limited public transit options available can lead to increased social isolation and hinder economic opportunities for residents. Furthermore, rising fuel costs have additional implications for affordability, making it imperative to explore alternative transport solutions.
The funding initiative focuses on developing safe bicycle infrastructure in rural Arkansas, aiming to promote biking as a viable transportation option. Investments will be made in creating dedicated bike lanes, secure parking facilities, and community outreach programs to educate residents on the health and economic benefits of cycling. The project will also aim to build partnerships with local governments to ensure sustained support for biking initiatives.
By implementing these changes, the expected outcomes include increased access to transportation, improved public health through physical activity, and reduced carbon emissions associated with motor vehicle usage. The initiative serves not only to enhance local mobility but also to inspire a cultural shift towards sustainable living within Arkansas’s rural areas.
Unlike regions in neighboring states, Arkansas has a unique opportunity to leverage its natural landscape for cycling, emphasizing a sustainable mode of transport that can simultaneously address health, economic, and environmental challenges.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
