Sisters on road to scenic bikeway

A dedicated group of Sisters community residents filed three "scenic bikeway" applications with the Oregon State Parks & Recreation Department.

Word came down last week that those applications have been approved to move into the next steps in the process.

The routes which were approved to move forward include: Camp Sherman Loops, McKenzie Pass, and Sisters to Smith Rock. Each of these routes will require some minor changes from their original application which can be completed as the group continues to work on the next required steps.

Over the course of the next six to 12 months the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, along with biking enthusiasts from Sisters and across Central Oregon will be putting together maintenance, management and marketing plans. As those plans come to fruition, topics such as signage, statewide and national marketing will come into play as well as issues like road surfacing and other plans to enhance the infrastructure.

Erin Borla, Executive Director for the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, noted that cycling tourism is a potentially significant element in Sisters' economic development efforts.

She noted a http://www.AmericanTrails.org report that stated: "In the 2008 survey of trail users on Pennsylvania's Great Allegheny Passage, 41 percent said that they stayed overnight in the vicinity of the trail for at least one night during their visit. These individuals reported spending approximately $100 per day, including lodging."

"As this collaborative project illustrates, the potential to enhance the economies of our region through niche tourism including recreation and arts and culture is endless," Borla said.

For more information on the scenic bikeway applications and routes or to be involved in the planning stages, contact Erin Borla at [email protected] or 541-549-0251.