Bicycle tourism studio rolls into town

Wheels were turning at the Bicycle Tourism Studio Scenic Bikeway Workshop, where a cross-section of the Central Oregon community focused on how to capitalize on the region's four state-designated scenic bikeways.

Talk revolved around marketing Sisters and Central Oregon as a hub for bicycle tourism - which has the potential to pedal-power an economic boost while stimulating new business development.

Oregon's Scenic Bikeways program designates carefully designed bicycle routes that were chosen to represent the state's beauty. Of the nine routes in the state, four are located in Central Oregon - two start in Sisters and a third begins in Camp Sherman.

That means that Sisters has the highest concentration of scenic bikeways in Oregon.

These routes appeal to a diversity of interests and skill levels. The picturesque Sisters-to-Smith Rock route offers panoramic views and a taste of rural Central Oregon. The breathtaking McKenzie Pass route is for the cyclist looking for a challenge; it traverses ponderosa forests and lava flows with mountain vistas. The family-friendly Metolius Loops are for an easy-going, spectacular ride with beautiful views of the Metolius River.

Over 50 people attended the Scenic Bikeway Workshop, hosted by Travel Oregon, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. Business owners, community leaders, avid cyclists and more focused on how to leverage the scenic bikeways to enhance economic growth in the area.

The stats that Travel Oregon offered were impressive. In 2009, cycling tourism generated $223 million dollars in Oregon, and it's one of the fastest-growing types of tourism in the country. A 2012 travelhorizons study reported that of the 17.4 million people who came to visit Oregon over the past two years, 4.5 million rode a bike in Oregon. Among those who bicycled while visiting, 64 percent reported bicycling was a primary reason for visiting.

The scenic bikeways in Sisters Country offer a potential way to capture a bigger portion of over one million visitors annually who visit Oregon to ride their bike.

"These aren't just bike routes," said Erin Borla, executive director of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. "The scenic bikeways are opportunities to attract visitors to experience all that Central Oregon has to offer - and local businesses will benefit."

While the scenic bikeway designations are a first step to getting a bigger piece of the cycle tourism pie, attendees agreed that there is work to be done in becoming a more "bike-friendly" community. Participants offered ideas for improvements: better cycling maps, safety education for drivers, bike-friendly certification programs for local businesses, and more.