The growth of cycling in Northwest Arkansas brings with it a wave of career opportunities.
PeopleForBikes is on a mission to make America the best place to ride a bike—and Northwest Arkansas is a central part of that vision. With a unique blend of world-class trails, a welcoming cycling culture and strong industry support, the region is quickly becoming the premier cycling destination in North America. Through its dual focus on industry representation and grassroots advocacy, PeopleForBikes is helping transform this vision into reality, while also supporting a growing number of career opportunities along the way.
PeopleForBikes operates in two key areas. On one side, it serves as the Cycling Trade Association, representing more than 320 bike brands. These members rely on PeopleForBikes to advocate for their interests and advance the cycling industry. On the other side, the organization focuses on community advocacy through three main pillars:
- Infrastructure: Supporting the development of bike-friendly paths, trails and facilities.
- Policy: Promoting legislation and funding for safe, equitable cycling access.
- Participation: Growing the cycling community and encouraging more people to ride.
Together, these efforts help create communities where riding a bike is safer, more accessible and more popular than ever.
A Cycling Culture Rooted in Northwest Arkansas
PeopleForBikes is working to help Northwest Arkansas become the most bike-friendly region in North America—and the numbers speak for themselves:
- Over 200 miles of singletrack and 500 miles of gravel are accessible from downtown Bentonville alone.
- More than 600 miles of regional singletrack offer something for every skill level.
- A thriving local culture, where trails wind through neighborhoods and cities, invites newcomers and seasoned riders alike.
Careers Fueled by the Cycling Ecosystem
The growth of cycling in Northwest Arkansas brings with it a wave of career opportunities—not just in biking, but in the broader outdoor economy. Key career paths include:
- Tourism & Events: From planning to hospitality, dozens of cycling events bring job opportunities in logistics, promotion and event operations.
- Retail & Bike Tech: Shops need mechanics, sales staff and service techs to keep bikes rolling.
- Trail Building & Maintenance: Professional trail builders are in high demand to expand and maintain the region’s trail systems.
- Health & Wellness: Cycling supports physical and mental health, fueling careers in fitness, wellness, and recreation.
- Advocacy & Industry Support: Roles in communications, policy and community engagement support the mission of PeopleForBikes and its partner organizations.
Training programs like NWACC’s bicycle technician and trail building courses provide pathways into these industries, creating a workforce ready to ride into the future.
PeopleForBikes maintains a monthly industry bulletin that features job openings and career resources. Whether you’re passionate about biking or interested in the growing outdoor economy, Northwest Arkansas is full of opportunities to get started.
To learn more, visit peopleforbikes.org and explore how you can be part of a movement that’s building healthier communities, stronger economies and the best place to ride.
From cycling to sustainability, trail building to tourism, the outdoor recreation economy in Northwest Arkansas is thriving. To discover more career opportunities across the region, join our Talent Network at CareersNWA.
