RE: Southwest Trail and Our General Well-being
To the Pulaski County Quorum Court:
I was so excited to hear about the FLAP grant coming through this spring that all I could do was see the benefits and possibilities. I didn’t even consider that someone might oppose such a wonderful addition to our state’s outdoor recreational roster. Then I took a weekend trip up to Northwest Arkansas to ride the Razorback Greenway and loved it, knowing we in Central Arkansas could do just as much good with our spaces. Alas, some of you think that a couple hundred thousand dollars is too much to spend on making our area more attractive to current residents, potential residents, and tourists.
So let’s start with numbers:
“The Outdoor Industry Association released a study in 2012, Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, that shows that outdoor bicycling participants typically spend $71 billion per year on "trip related sales," which is the category that best encompasses bicycle tourism. Overall spending for bicycling participants, which includes direct and indirect economic impacts, totals $198.7 billion, the second highest spending for any outdoor activity.”(1)
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| Sunset from a bicycle (awe inspiring) |
Now since that study was from before 2012 and the Southwest Trail isn’t due to be totally ready for almost 5 more years, it’s probably safe to assume that almost $200 billion dollars will grow with a decade of economic growth and inflation. The question is: Do we want to do a little work and investment to get a piece of that pie or should we let Fayetteville have ours? Or worse, let it go to another state entirely? (It’s easy enough to use a popular internet search engine to find many more economic benefits of cycling tourism and overall cycling infrastructure/friendliness. It is, however, very difficult to find any articles or studies on the negative effects.)
Next we’ll take a look at some health benefits of moderate daily exercise, which for now we’ll call cycling because cycling is easy, fun, has a low barrier-to-entry, and can be done as a group almost anywhere. One study “found that men with the highest physical activity (PA) level had 21% lower cancer mortality than those with the lowest level.”(2) Without much scientific study it’s easy to see how cycling can help cardiovascular health as well as improve metabolism and aid healthy weight loss. Several studies have also shown that moderate physical activity such as cycling, or even walking, can significantly improve one’s mental health. (3) Here are some more, slightly abbreviated benefits.
Next we’ll take a look at some health benefits of moderate daily exercise, which for now we’ll call cycling because cycling is easy, fun, has a low barrier-to-entry, and can be done as a group almost anywhere. One study “found that men with the highest physical activity (PA) level had 21% lower cancer mortality than those with the lowest level.”(2) Without much scientific study it’s easy to see how cycling can help cardiovascular health as well as improve metabolism and aid healthy weight loss. Several studies have also shown that moderate physical activity such as cycling, or even walking, can significantly improve one’s mental health. (3) Here are some more, slightly abbreviated benefits.
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| Bicycles in Italy (big business) |
Also, as someone who regularly rides bicycles all around the state, I hear motorists complain that cyclists are taking up too much room and blocking traffic and shouldn’t be on the roads to begin with. Well, we all know that none of these claims have any statistical or legal standing but we do have an opportunity to get some cyclists off the road and put them on their very own, dedicated cycling path. I, personally, would much rather ride without worrying about being hit by a 3,000 pound vehicle. So, please, get me off the road!
Lastly, we should look at the success of the Big Dam Bridge, Two Rivers Park, Burns Park, Clinton Bridge, and all the trails that join these points. At any given time of day, any day of the week, people are walking with children and/or pets, people are riding bicycles(rented or owned), and people are taking pictures(because they're tourists). If there are things to see, people will go see them. Keep in mind that even with all we've done, Arkansas as a state is only ranked #36 by Bike Friendly America.
It simply seems to me(and to other non-cyclist friends of mine) that passing on this FLAP grant to create the Southwest Trail would be an opportunity lost. Not only will it improve the health and well-being of our local population but it will make our area more attractive to outsiders which can only be a good thing for our economic and sociological fitness. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Lastly, we should look at the success of the Big Dam Bridge, Two Rivers Park, Burns Park, Clinton Bridge, and all the trails that join these points. At any given time of day, any day of the week, people are walking with children and/or pets, people are riding bicycles(rented or owned), and people are taking pictures(because they're tourists). If there are things to see, people will go see them. Keep in mind that even with all we've done, Arkansas as a state is only ranked #36 by Bike Friendly America.
It simply seems to me(and to other non-cyclist friends of mine) that passing on this FLAP grant to create the Southwest Trail would be an opportunity lost. Not only will it improve the health and well-being of our local population but it will make our area more attractive to outsiders which can only be a good thing for our economic and sociological fitness. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
S. Tyler Hendrix
Broadmoor Neighborhood
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