Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Seeks Public Comments on Scenic Bikeways Rules

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) wants to hear what people think about proposed changes to Oregon’s Scenic Bikeways program rules. The last day to say something is May 19 at 5 p.m.

The proposed rule changes apply to scenic bikeways definitions, committee makeup and committee processes and include the:
• expanding the number of public at-large seats on the Scenic Bikeways Committee.
• changing required committee affiliation criteria.
• clarifying the committee quorum.
• clarifying the establishment of a new route process and expanding the definitions.
• amending the definition of “Bicycle Path” to “Improved Public Ways.”
• adding accessibility language to electric-assisted bicycles, wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment.
• expanding the criteria for establishing new routes by adding the following: “minimizing adverse effects and conflicts between other existing recreation user types.”

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On April 19 at 6 p.m., there will be a virtual public hearing for people who want to say something or learn more about the proposed rule changes. To participate, you need to sign up, which you can do at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN rjxn3v…

You can also send comments online at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking… until May 19 at 5 p.m.
• Send mail to: Jo Niehaus, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.
• email at OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov .

After reading the comments from the public, agency staff will give the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission a final rule change to consider at a business meeting.

A few days ago, Oregon State Parks conducted a 15-minute survey to understand customers better and improve websites.

We are doing research to better understand our customers and improve our websites. We’d like your input! Please take 15 minutes to take our survey now https://t.co/sTXfkoi50d pic.twitter.com/r8E3qw0InY

— Oregon State Parks (@ORStateParks) March 27, 2023

In 2009, OPRD, Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Transportation got together to start the Scenic Bikeways program. It now has 17 of Oregon’s best, mostly road-based bike routes showing its beautiful scenery, cultural treasures, and friendly people. On the website for the scenic bikeways program, https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/BWT/Pages/BWT-bikeways, you can find out more.

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