From land in the Wallowas to bike boulevards in Portland: Cycle Oregon gives back

Cycle Oregon goes through many rural
Oregon towns, and invests in them as well.
(Photo © J. Maus)

As further testament that Cycle Oregon is a key component in our state’s cycling ecosystem, the organization behind the legendary week-long ride has announced their latest list of grant recipients.

Since the ride’s inception in 1987, a portion of the event proceeds have gone into the Cycle Oregon Fund. To date, the Fund has been the key catalyst in a myriad of projects — large and small — in cities throughout Oregon.

Going far beyond bike paths, the Cycle Oregon Fund seeks to not only improve biking, but to enrich the rural communities that are the backbone of the event’s success.

The latest projects funded by the Fund include an bike tourism effort at the John Day Fossil Beds in Eastern Oregon and support for the BTA’s bicycle boulevard effort. Here is the full list:

Wallowa Land Trust ($50,000)
The Wallowa Land Trust’s program, “Moraines of Wallowa Lake: Protecting a Community Legacy,” is the recipient of the 2008 Cycle Oregon Fund Signature Grant. The program will include educational elements as well as two “catalyst” land acquisitions in the effort to preserve the East, West and Terminal Moraines of Wallowa Lake.

Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI) – $32,000
This educational program will have widespread benefit throughout Oregon. A series of workshops will teach planning and engineering professionals and community leaders across the state how to use planning and design elements to create better and safer facilities for cyclists.

City of Vernonia Bike Skills Park ($18,000)
Vernonia has staked a position as a top new destination for bike tourism, and the Vernonia Bicycle Skills Park is a major element of its efforts. The CO funds will help finish the project.

City of Florence Multi-use Paths ($10,000)
The coastal town of Florence is constructing a multi-use path that will connect recreational, education, scenic and institutional areas of the community. The CO grant will be paired with an Oregon State Parks grant.

Union County Bike Maps ($5,000)
This project will develop and print cycling-centric maps to encourage bicycle tourism in this beautiful area of northeast Oregon.

Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Ecotourism Program ($10,000)
OPLI’s “The Nature of Cycling and Tourism” project will work with communities and businesses in the region of the John Day Fossil Beds to promote cycling and ecotourism in the area.

Community Cycling Center (CCC) – $10,000
The Cycle Oregon Fund continues its support of Portland’s CCC, allowing it to move administrative staff and expand its retail shop.

Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) – $10,000
This grant will help BTA to advocate for the adoption of 114 additional miles of bicycle boulevards in Portland, as well as provide advocacy outreach to four or five new communities.

Butte Falls Community Area – $2,000
This grant will help the city of Butte Falls construct a community center at the site of the local elementary school.