FROM THE SADDLE The Old West Scenic Bikeway utilizes many scenic country roads that see very little traffic.
business owners, chambers of commerce and concerned citizens to help create a bicycle-friendly destination. Far from heavy-handed in its approach, TravelOregon engages the local communities, encourages them to identify their region’s key assets and provides them with tools to market themselves to cyclists. In the bicycle tourism studio we attended in John Day, more than 50 community members came together from around the county. Many drove several hours and even closed their businesses to attend. There was a palpable energy in the room, as the community members worked together in breakout sessions and discussed bicycle tourism. Questions centered on what cyclists want. Should they be allowed to take their bikes in motel rooms? What sorts of food should they serve? Should they install wifi in key locations? 18 American Bicyclist
One of the main actionable items that developed out of the meeting was creating a “Two Wheels Spoken Here” campaign that certified that certain businesses were trained in dealing with cyclists. In less than two weeks, a program was set in motion and signs began appearing at the front of many small businesses that welcomed cyclists. From our experience on the Old West, people are enthusiastic about cyclists discovering their area, even if they’re also a little perplexed about why someone would ride a bicycle on their vacation. A cafe owner in Prairie City had plans to stock some small bicycle repair items. A farmer in Monument found some old bicycles to hold up signs advertising his almonds and peaches for sale. He also installed an outdoor spigot to allow cyclists to fill up on clean drinking water. The proprietor of the cafe/mar-