(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Oregon’s State Scenic Bikeway program has really taken off in recent years. Routes have sprung up all over the state and they’re spurring economic development and providing people with great bike adventures. But so far, none of them are very close to Portland.
Now comes word from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that there’s a proposal on the table to designate a new scenic bikeway that would be relatively close to Portland and would begin just south of Hillsboro.
According to Alex Phillips with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the Tualatin Valley Bikeway is being proposed (by the Washington County Visitors Association no less) as a 50-mile route that passes through Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Banks, and L. L. Stub Stewart State Park. This would be a boon for Portland riders, not only because this area offers some great roads for riding; but the start of the new route (at Rood Bridge Park) is just three miles away from the Hillsboro Transit Center.
Check out the proposed route below:
In July 2011, we joined several families for a family bike camping trip to Stub Stewart State Park via the Banks-Vernonia Trail. On our way back we rode from Banks to the Hillsboro Transit Center on some of the same routes proposed in his route. This is an exciting development for Washington County!
But it’s not a done deal yet. Before it’s officially designated, Oregon Parks and Rec will solicit public feedback to use in making their final decision. If you’d like to weigh in on this proposal, a public meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 15th at the Forest Grove Community Auditorium (1915 Main St.).
For more information, contact Alex Phillips at alex.phillips@state.or.us.