Downtown Ashland (file photo).
Visitor7 / Wikimedia
The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation approved two new scenic bikeways in Southern Oregon.
They are the Cascade Siskiyou and the Wild River Coast bikeways. The cascade route is a 55-mile loop that begins in Ashland. The coast ride begins in Port Orford and goes along Elk River and the coast.
Alexandra Phillips with Parks and Rec says the paths offer diverse riding experiences.
"These are definitely the best of the best road biking in all of Oregon with a really strong local proponent group that supports it," said Phillips.
They are the first approved bikeways in Southern Oregon through the program, and offer views of mountains, lakes and the coast.
Local advocates and cyclists proposed the new bikeways. The Cascade Siskiyou and Wild River Coast routes were selected for their scenic quality, road conditions and riding enjoyment.
The bikeway program began in 2005 and it's the first program like it in the U.S., according to Phillips. With the new additions, there are 14 designated bikeways that span more than 950 miles.
Phillips said the new routes are "really fun and wonderful to ride."