Bicycling in Washington County presents
issues very different from Portland's.
(Photo © J. Maus)

This past year has involved many transitions at the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Staffing has been particularly affected -- over the course of 2009, nine full time staff left and six new staff were hired (some at less than full time).

These transitions culminated with the November hire of Susan Peithman to the newly created position of Statewide Advocate. The position was created around, and is partially funded by, a 2-year, $82,000 grant from the Northwest Health Foundation. (more...)

State Fair Bike Parade flyer.

The 148th annual Oregon State Fair (8/28 - 9/7) isn't usually considered a venue to put Oregon's love of bicycling on display, but this year might change that. Bikes will take center stage at the 2009 State Fair Bicycle Parade. Organizers say the reason for the parade is to, "get out and have fun on a bicycle." (more...)

Riders on a multi-day trip
near Champoeg State Park.
(Photo: Matt Picio/CycleWild)

The State of Oregon's "Scenic Bikeway" program has taken a nice step forward. This week, the State's Bicycle Recreation Coordinator, Alexandra Phillips, unveiled a website that features detailed maps and route information on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway.

The Willamette Valley route is the first officially recognized scenic bikeway in the state and it's referred to as "a prototype" for others yet to come. The 127-mile route begins at Champoeg State Heritage Area just south of Wilsonville and ends at Armitage County Park just north of Eugene. (more...)

David Lowe-Rogstad and the
home page of the new site.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Yesterday in Salem at the Oregon Bike Summit, we got a sneak peek of the new "Ride Oregon" website. When it officially launches in mid-May, the site will allow visitors to learn about Oregon's great rides, plan a trip of their own, find the best hotels, places for a post-ride meal, and more.

The site (URL yet to be announced) is funded by Travel Oregon and it's being created by Substance, a creative design agency based on Portland. Travel Oregon put their support behind the site after hearing years of requests from communities and advocates around the state. (more...)