Oregon Bicycling Summit April 1st in Eugene

The registration deadline is Friday

Photo Courtesy: cycleoregon.com

(EUGENE) - Communities interested in turning Oregon into a premier bicycling state have a chance to share that feeling by attending the Oregon Bicycling Summit April 1st in Eugene.

Jay Graves, President of the National Bike Dealers Association says a summit like this creates awareness, but more importantly, action.

Bicycling is a perfect vehicle to help solve our energy, health and environmental concerns Graves added.

Over lunch, U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio will deliver a keynote address.

In the afternoon, all meeting attendees will work together to produce ideas for advancing Oregon's bicycle recreation and tourism agenda.

The event is timed to precede the Governor's Conference on Tourism (April 2-4).

According to national statistics, the enduring popularity of bicycling may be due to the fact it is accessible to a wide range of people, across age and economic divisions.

State transportation planners deal with the implications of bicycle growth; the Oregon Department of Transportation's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program provides direction to that department as it establishes pedestrian and bicycle facilities on state highways.

If we want people to get out and experience Oregon, improve their health, and boost the rural economy, the time to focus on bicycling in Oregon is now, said John Blackwell, former chair of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission and current Cycle Oregon board member.

Event sponsors include the cities of Corvallis and Eugene, the Oregon Tourism Commission (Travel Oregon), Brand Oregon, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Transportation and Cycle Oregon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bicycling enjoyment, safety and education.

The summit will be held from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Eugene Hilton (www.eugene.hilton.com), 66 East 6th Ave., Eugene OR 97401, (541) 342-2000.

Registration is $25, including the luncheon keynote, and may be made through Cycle Oregon by phone, 503-287-0405 ext. 103, or email ingrid@cycleoregon.com.