Critical Mass Summit 2022 is a wrap! Check back for 2023 updates.
Critical Mass Summit's goal is to build a more inclusive trails, cycling, and active transportation community. This summit welcomes marginalized community members and existing stakeholders to engage in our region's built environment; we’re redefining who is a part of “the bubble” of decision and influence. With national and local voices leading the conversations, Trailblazers’ hope is that attendees walk away with the tools to positively impact the development of active transportation infrastructure and support building an inclusive culture.
Welcome to the Critical Mass Summit

The 2022 event expanded to include all gender identities to deliberately bring existing stakeholders and decision-makers to the same room as the marginalized community to remove barriers to participation in the active transportation conversation.
Critical Mass Summit was a two-day event hosted on Friday, November 4 based at Mt Sequoyah in Fayetteville, AR. Saturday, November 5 provided recreational opportunities around Northwest Arkansas and concluded with the first Critical Mass Ride in Fayetteville.
This summit is hosted by:

Trailblazers is a nonprofit formed in 2021 through the merger of NWA Trailblazers, an organization that has developed 300+ miles of multi-use trails, including the OZ Trails network, and BikeNWA, a bicycle advocacy and education-focused organization that has led the region in advocating for active transportation. Our core areas of work include trail development and maintenance, active transportation advocacy, and community education and outreach.
Testimonials
“CMS 2021 Attendee”
The inaugural Critical Mass Summit was so well done, from the way it engaged a diverse set of participants and presenters, to the quality and format of the sessions themselves. In a year filled with virtual conferences, it was by far the best I attended. Having three hosts that were together in-person, often with the speakers present as well, proved to be a winning engagement strategy for viewers at home and a welcome relief from the endless face-filled boxes of Zoom.
The content itself was incredibly accessible, whether you’ve been working in the industry for decades or are a casual biker wanting to get more involved in your local scene. I loved the emphasis on self-care and ritual, and the pains taken to create safe spaces for BIPOC to come together, as well as white allies. The variety in the sessions also showcased how bicycling encompasses many different fields, from transportation to politics to the outdoor industry to wellness.
"CMS 2022 Attendee"
I loved how people were so humble and opened to listen. I felt connected with many people, and I love that we were able to learn about others people's needs about transportation, so that we continue to advocate for more trails and public transit.
“CMS 2021 Attendee”
[I loved] and learned so much from every session at [the] Critical Mass Summit. Every element from the speakers, the socio platform, and Avad3’s tech support was outstanding. Congratulations and thank you to the whole Critical Mass team for creating this much needed space. Both personally and professionally I am very grateful.
"CMS 2022 Attendee"
Loved each one of the sessions. I learned a lot from everyone I interacted with, and I am glad that you are creating this safe space to discuss ideas, challenges, and feelings.
“CMS 2021 Attendee”
The Summit on Friday was such an incredible offering of content that I didn’t even realize I needed! It was so thoughtful, high-quality and of the moment – it really spoke right to my heart.
"CMS 2022 Attendee"
I’m so grateful for receiving a scholarship to attend. I truly enjoyed meeting and networking with people who attended. I hope to collaborate with some of them in the future!
“CMS 2021 Attendee”
Such impactful topics that have already impacted and repositioned certain thought processes for me (like thinking of powers as neutral as opposed to negative or giving yourself permission to take up space).
"CMS 2022 Attendee"
It was a great overall experience. Having a keynote speaker that was willing to speak truth in a straightforward manner set a great tone for the event. Meeting people doing working in their communities was informative and inspiring.
“CMS 2021 Attendee”
Thank you for your hard work to put together an unforgettable inaugural summit. I was honored to [participate], and I was so thankful to be reinvigorated as a civic participant and woman. Thank you for walking the walk and for bringing us conversations/activism that will change our community for the better!
“CMS 2021 Attendee”
Genuine energy from organizers. I think it was contagious and there was a positive vibe of encouragement, empowerment, and grace all around.