The Natural State’s New Gear: Inside Arkansas’s Cycling Innovation

It all started in Bentonville, now widely regarded as the Mecca of mountain biking in Arkansas. With more than 28 miles of world-class trails, the city has become a centerpiece of the global cycling scene, hosting marquee events like the Big Sugar Gravel Race, part of the Life Time Grand Prix series, which draws riders from across the country and abroad. Over time, a thriving local economy has emerged, powered by the steady flow of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Yet Bentonville is only the beginning. Inspired by its success, communities throughout Arkansas are developing trail systems and expanding tourism tied to the sport. Together, they are shaping a dynamic cycling economy that has become a point of pride for the state. This momentum is sparking innovation, attracting investment, and creating new opportunities across Arkansas.

Pedaling Toward Prosperity

A 2022 study from the University of Arkansas Center for Business and Economic Research found that cycling generated an impressive $159 million in total economic impact in northwest Arkansas alone, powered by tourism, local employment, and tax revenue.

Cycling-related businesses accounted for over $100 million in revenue, supporting 743 jobs and contributing $6.1 million in state and local taxes. Tourism added another $59 million, creating 587 jobs, while marquee events like the Walmart UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championship brought in an additional $9.9 million for the regional economy.

Arkansas now ranks sixth in the nation for cycling growth as a share of gross domestic product since 2012, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Katherine Andrews, director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, said the numbers underscore how rapidly the state’s cycling economy is expanding, powered by business investment and a surge in tourism. The findings, she noted, reaffirm Arkansas’s rise as a prominent hub for cycling, with recognition reaching far beyond the state’s borders.

Innovation Fuels Growth

The cycling economy in Arkansas is entering a new phase, powered by innovation and investment. Several forward-thinking programs are already driving this momentum.

In spring 2025, northwest Arkansas hosted one of the world’s few accelerator programs dedicated entirely to cycling innovation -  the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA).

Created through a partnership between the Startup Junkie Foundation and the University of Arkansas Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program, the initiative aims to position Arkansas as a global center for cycling innovation and entrepreneurship. The idea for the AGCA originated from discussions between Phil Shellhammer and Martial Trigeaud, co-founder of Cardinal Cycling Group in Little Rock and a former professional cyclist. Their collaboration led to a $125,000 grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, which was matched by the Walton Family Foundation.

Based in Bentonville, the AGCA launched its first cohort of ten pre-Series A startups developing cycling technology, components, and mobility solutions. Participants received virtual mentorship, industry connections, and resources, culminating in a public Demo Night on May 20 at The Ledger, coinciding with Bentonville Bike Fest.

The cohort included companies from France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Arkansas, introducing innovations in trail GPS systems, braking technology, and manufacturing software.

Participants such as Michael Burton, founder and CEO of Lockstop, and co-founder Clayton Woodruff highlighted global networking as one of the most valuable aspects of the experience.

While the AGCA does not directly fund startups, it connects them with venture capital firms and partners interested in investing in cohort companies. Shellhammer and Caleb Talley, executive director of the Startup Junkie Foundation, confirmed that applications for the program’s second cohort will open in spring 2026.

Innovation Expands Across Arkansas

Cycling innovation in Arkansas is expanding well beyond Bentonville. Communities across the state are investing in new trails and infrastructure that make mountain biking more accessible to both residents and visitors.

In towns such as Mena and Searcy County, projects like the Ward Lake Trail System and the new trails near Buffalo River Airport are helping smaller communities benefit from the state’s growing cycling culture. In Central Arkansas, new trails at Boyle Park and Allsopp Park in Little Rock are drawing riders who want a blend of technical challenges and smooth, flowing singletrack.

Larger projects are gaining national attention. The Mena Area Trails Expansion is set to offer a premier mountain biking experience in the Ouachita Mountains, while OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista features Arkansas’s first chairlift-served downhill trails, further establishing the region as a must-visit destination for serious riders.

Gravel cycling is also on the rise. Routes such as the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail, linking Helena to Missouri, and the Delta Heritage Trail are attracting cyclists eager to explore the state’s rural landscapes and natural beauty.

In the Delta region, local outfitter studioDRIFT is transforming the area into an outdoor recreation hub by promoting gravel routes and paddling experiences that boost local economies and small-town tourism.

Major cycling events are also fueling momentum. The Fat Tire Festival in Eureka Springs, the Arkansas Graveler, a five-day ride from Mena to Russellville, and the upcoming Skirmish: A Delta Gravel Festival in Jonesboro, all underscore Arkansas’s growing status as one of America’s most exciting cycling destinations.

And it is not just the trails and events driving growth. New businesses, innovations, and investments are spreading across the state, reflecting how Arkansas’s cycling economy continues to gain strength and scale.

A Bright Future for the Natural State

Arkansas is cementing its place as America’s next great cycling frontier. Whether you are an experienced rider or just getting started, Arkansas now offers a firsthand look at how cycling is reshaping the Natural State, one trail, one startup, and one ride at a time.

In downtown Bentonville, Ledger stands as a landmark of this transformation. Recognized as the world’s first bikeable office building, it features a 3,900-foot linear bike path, bike storage areas, e-bike charging stations, lounges, and showers. Ledger offers both private and shared workspaces, reservable meeting rooms, and retail spaces, all fully accessible by bicycle on every floor.

This is just the start. With more projects in development and fresh investments on the rise, Arkansas’s cycling journey is gaining even more speed and showing no signs of slowing down.