Fayetteville becomes first U.S. city to receive Bike City label

News BriefsNorthwest ArkansasTourism / Heritage

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) February 4, 2021 1:23 pm 1,035 views 

The city of Fayetteville is the first U.S. city to be named a Bike City by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), a world governing body of cycling, according to a news release.

Experience Fayetteville announced Thursday (Feb. 4) the city joins cities and regions across the globe, such as Copenhagen and Paris that have previously received the designation because of their commitment to developing cycling at all levels, from elite competition to the use of bicycles for leisure and transportation, the release shows.

“I am thrilled and honored that Fayetteville has been named a UCI Bike City,” said Mayor Lioneld Jordan. “This is a powerful affirmation of the work Fayetteville has done for decades – and continues doing – to make cycling accessible for everyone.

“I want to congratulate the other UCI Bike City designees and express my gratitude to UCI for giving us this incredible distinction,” he added. “We are so proud to be the first city in the United States to achieve the UCI Bike City label designation.”

The UCI Bike City label supports cities and regions that host major UCI cycling events and invest in developing cycling through programs and infrastructure. The following helped the city of Fayetteville receive the label: Its bicycling master plan and professional events, such as the Joe Martin Stage Race, FayetteCross and the planned 2022 UCI Cyclocross World Championships.

“The variety of cycling opportunities in and around our Fayetteville trails is one of the many reasons visitors come to Fayetteville year-round,” said Molly Rawn, CEO of Experience Fayetteville. “I am tremendously proud of our city’s long-standing commitment to cycling and am excited about the impact this recognition will have.”

Experience Fayetteville is the convention and visitors bureau for the city of Fayetteville. It oversees the visitors bureau, Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center, Fayetteville Town Center and the historic Walker Stone House. The Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission is the governing body of Experience Fayetteville.