Oregon Introduces Two New Scenic Bikeways

SALEM, Ore., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) announce two new state-designated scenic bikeways, bringing the total number of trails to eight, furthering Oregon's position as a premier cycling destination. The move comes after the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission formally approved the routes in a meeting yesterday.

The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway in Cottage Grove features an all-ages, all-abilities cycling experience.  Perfect for families, this 36-mile route boasts six covered bridges, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A mix of paved off-street, lakeside paths and low-speed Main Street riding provide diverse scenery and dining opportunities. The route passes Chambers Bridge, the only covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi.

Beginning and ending in Bend's historic Drake Park, the Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway is rated "moderate," with varying levels of traffic and hills. Featuring 36 miles of intermediate terrain, the route promises breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, rolling forests and high desert scenery. The Twin Bridges Loop gets its name from the two bridges that cross the Deschutes River along the route. Riders will pedal through the quaint town of Tumalo, a perfect rest stop to grab a bite to eat.

"Cycling and scenic beauty are both important components of Oregon's $8.7 billion travel and tourism industry," said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson.  "Being the first and only state in the nation to have developed a scenic bikeways program provides a strategic way for us to highlight the state's natural assets and cyclist-friendly communities, boosting local economies and creating jobs."  

The bikeway program was launched in 2010 with the 132-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. Five more were added in September 2011. The program is a partnership between Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.   Scenic bikeway designations are a community effort—led by local supporters—that showcase the "best of the best" road bicycle riding on existing roads and paved paths in Oregon.

"The Scenic Bikeways Program is an outstanding example of pioneering Oregonians working together to merge recreation, transportation and tourism to benefit the economy," said OPRD Bicycle Recreation Coordinator Alexandra Phillips.

For information on Oregon's scenic bikeways, itinerary ideas and ride inspiration, visit rideoregonride.com or go to oregonscenicbikeways.org for detailed maps and route descriptions.

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state's $8.7 billion tourism industry. www.TravelOregon.com

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's mission is to "Provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations."It operates a system of State Parks , Historic and Natural Areas and manages a number of  special programs including the Oregon Exposition Center , Scenic Rivers, Recreation Trails, Historic Preservation, and Ocean Shores.  OPRD serves more than 40.2 million visitors per year.

SOURCE Travel Oregon; Oregon Parks and Recreation Department