In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, a subtle but powerful ‘movement’ is taking root. You can hear itin the persistent hum of tires on pavement, the crunch of dirt on trails, and the chatter of new neighbors connecting outdoors. What began as a hyper-local initiative known as Bentonville Moves has officially rebranded as Arkansas Moves, a statewide mission dedicated to promoting mobility for community and culture as much as health and recreation.
The rebranding marks a pivotal moment for the coalition. While Bentonville remains the heart and home of the organization—with 2026 seeing continued support for the Connecting Bentonville Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan—the horizon has expanded. Beginning in Bella Vista, Arkansas Moves will be taking its successful blueprint for community-led advocacy statewide under the tutelage of founder, Jessica Pearson.
“The whole point of the coalition is to build political coverage for our elected leaders,” Pearson explains. "In order for our elected officials to have the confidence to put money toward bike-pedestrian infrastructure, when there are so many competing needs, they need to know the voter base desires it."
This isn't just about policy, it’s about presence. "Any time we have a ribbon-cutting or groundbreaking for trails, we invite everyone to come out and celebrate," says Pearson. "When leaders see a community excited about these projects, it changes the conversation during the next budget discussion. They realize this is what their constituents truly support."
The path to Arkansas Moves began three years ago when Pearson was hired to spearhead Bentonville Moves through a grant awarded to the Runway Group called the Accelerated Mobility Playbook. Its purpose was to support the adoption of Bentonville’s Bike-Pedestrian Master Plan.
"It was a playbook created originally by People for Bikes," Pearson recalls. "Several of their employees branched off to start an agency called City Thread out of Denver; that’s who originally hired me. Part of that grant involves hiring a dedicated coalition manager to administer mini-grants, work with the city, and manage projects."
As her initial three-year contract neared its end, the coalition’s impact was undeniable. Community leaders saw the immense success of the model and realized its potential stretched far beyond city limits. Standing at a crossroads, Pearson took a leap of faith, launching Arkansas Moves as her own company. Today, the coalition is fully funded, allowing her to focus entirely on the mission—supporting communities, amplifying pro-bike voices, and informing the master plans that will shape the region for generations to come.
One of the most catalytic tools in the Arkansas Moves arsenal is the Mini-Grant Program, which launched on Valentine’s Day, 2026. These strategic investments—with Trailblazers as a fiscal partner—are designed to help local leaders and advocates take meaningful steps forward through pilot projects, community events, or educational outreach.
"The mini-grant paid for our first meeting," Boddington says. "There were six women total, and everyone was encouraged to walk or ride a bike there." For Boddington, the goal is to bridge the gap between real estate and mobility. "The goal of REC is to bring people together to inform, educate, and empower. I would love for women to be able to afford to live close to the trails. Unfortunately, most can't afford to be in Downtown Bentonville, but I love that you can still be a bike ride away from all the places you love to eat and shop."
For Pearson, REC’s mission really hit home–no pun intended–inspiring buy-in. As a mother navigating life after a divorce, she understands the practical necessity of bikability and walkability. "I’ve got a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old. That's two cars," she shares. "I'm not getting a third car, so I have to live somewhere where I can ride my bike." Her lived experience mirrors that of many Arkansans looking for sustainable, affordable ways to navigate their daily lives without the obligation or expense of a car.
Boddington is already planning her next REC meetup for April at Two Friends Books, where the group will discuss the book “Financial Feminist” by Tori Dunlap.
The reach of the mini-grants extends to those who might otherwise miss trails altogether. Another mini-grant recipient, Green House Cottages, utilized funds to design the new GNARGO “Trishaw” bike—a specialized three-wheeled GNARGO bike designed for passengers with varying abilities.
The Trishaw will allow nursing home residents to tap into their community again, fostering a vital sense of belonging. "We’re especially proud of launching the GNARGO Trishaw," says Elysia Contreras Springer, Co-Founder of GNARGO Bikes. "This helps expand cycling access for seniors and passengers of all abilities."
The future of Arkansas Moves is a sprawling, connected one. Beyond the borders of Bentonville, Bella Vista recently secured state funding for its Bike-Pedestrian Master Plan. The vision includes miles of Greenway stretching toward the Missouri border, starting with Wishing Springs. Neighboring towns like Pea Ridge have also expressed interest in connecting systems to join the trail network. Each effort calls for dedicated and localized work groups supported by the Arkansas Moves playbook.
Movement is a way of life in Northwest Arkansas. Through Pearson’s leadership, neighbors have endless opportunities to show their enthusiasm for a connected Arkansas. Whether it is through events like Pack the Path in Bella Vista, the Active Transportation Book Club, or Bike Train, there are opportunities for everyone to be a part of the story.
"They encourage people to be active in their community," Boddington affirms. "Arkansas Moves brings people together."
"Arkansas Moves brings people together."