Leading the [Technology] Way as Part for a More Connected Community

The NWA Tech Summit held at the Rogers Convention Center in October 2023 provided a platform for technology enthusiasts, industry leaders, and community advocates to explore the latest advancements and their impact on the greater community.

Bentonville Moves Coalition, a dynamic grassroots group with more than 500 members, attended the summit to highlight its commitment to sustainable and accessible transportation in Bentonville. The coalition’s manager, Jessica Pearson, participated as a panelist on the Community Tech content track, focusing on alternative modes of mobility.

During the Community Tech track, participants discussed how advances in technology, particularly e-bikes, contribute to increased usership and the need for active transportation infrastructure developments to support this mode of transportation.

E-bikes have revolutionized cycling by providing a more accessible and comfortable riding experience. With electric power assistance, people of varying fitness levels and ages can effortlessly travel longer distances and conquer challenging terrain.

Bentonville  Moves Coalition has been collaborating with Pointz, a safety-focused bike mapping app, to identify safer routes to schools for their Bentonville Moves Bike Trains initiative. Pointz’s navigation features offer a route-planning screen so riders can customize their route based on their comfort level using the safety-slider feature.

Riders can choose from three route options: Pointz choice, fewer hills, or fewer turns. They can further customize the route to avoid specific streets or take preferred paths. The app provides turn-by-turn navigation with audio and visual instructions, ensuring riders reach their destination safely.

Pointz also uses existing datasets and crowdsourcing to recommend better routes, similar to the Waze app for bikes and scooters. Roads are rated on a bike-friendliness scale from one to five, and crowdsourced information helps provide additional details about bike-lane obstructions and shortcuts.

Real-time updates about road closures and bike-maintenance issues also are integrated into the app through partnerships with cities. Bentonville Moves Coalition has leveraged Pointz to create custom shared routes, specifically for the Bike Trains program, which aims to promote safe and active transportation to schools.

The collaboration between Bentonville Moves Coalition and Pointz underscores the significance of technology in supporting the coalition’s mission. By using innovative tools like the Pointz app, the coalition can effectively identify and promote safer routes for cyclists, encouraging more people to choose active transportation options.

“This collaboration exemplifies the coalition’s dedication to creating a connected and vibrant community where sustainable and accessible transportation options thrive.”

Overall, Bentonville Moves Coalition’s participation in the NWA Tech Summit showcased their commitment to advancing sustainable transportation through technology and collaboration. Their efforts in advocating for active transportation infrastructure developments, embracing e-bikes, and leveraging innovative apps like Pointz demonstrate their commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community in Bentonville.