Keizer Names a very Bikey First Citizen, Scenic Bikeways at the Capitol

Here's some old and pleasant news that deserves more notice!

Last month the Keizer Chamber named Hersch Sangster First Citizen. He's a long-time Salem Bicycle Club member and past President, a former Cherriots Board Member, and current Ride Salem Board Member.

Hersch Sangter, Keizer First Citizen - via Keizer Times

They write:

Hersch, is a man who has mentored and served Keizer in multiple ways for many years. He is “the guy people want to know and be around”. He has a deep passion for transportation and cycling.

Hersch and his wife, Marianne, have lived in Keizer for many years. He is an active community servant, participating with community organizations and boards such as SE Keizer Neighborhood Association, Salem-Keizer Mass Transit, Keizer Rotary, McNary High School Boosters (band and athletic), and the City of Keizer Bikeways/Traffic Committee.

Hersch has a remarkable talent for getting things done and being exceptionally kind to all around him. His deep love for cycling has fostered his approach to bringing access and safety to all.

Hersch “got caught” doing great things for Keizer, and the short list of honorees who have come before him are proud to see his name added.

You can read a longer piece on Sangster at the Keizer Times.

Scenic Bikeways at Capitol on Monday

17 of them! (click to enlarge)

From the press release:

Celebrate 11 years of Oregon's Scenic Bikeways at Oregon Capitol Feb. 24

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Scenic Bikeways Program is celebrating 11 years of beautiful bike routes 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Capitol Galleria. The free event is open to the public and will feature cookies, videos, guest speakers and information on the 17 scenic bikeway routes throughout Oregon....

Guest remarks will begin at noon. Speakers this year include [MG] Devereux, [deputy director], Stephen Hatfield, outdoor recreation manager for Travel Oregon, and a member of the Scenic Bikeways Committee.

The Scenic Bikeways Program launched in 2009 and is a partnership between OPRD, Oregon Department of Transportation, Travel Oregon and Cycle Oregon. It is the first and only program of its kind in the United States.

Since 2009, OPRD has designated 17 Scenic Bikeways throughout Oregon, covering 1,253 miles. The newest route, Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway, was designated in 2018.

Scenic Bikeways are nominated by local communities and designated based on scenic quality, road conditions and general riding enjoyment. Route difficulties vary—some are beginner friendly while others will challenge veteran riders—and each passes a through a distinct Oregon landscape.

Over the last decade, Scenic Bikeways have proven to be a boon for local communities: a study published by Travel Oregon found that in 2014, Scenic Bikeway cyclists spent $6.9 million on accommodations and food services, and $5.3 million on retail. The spending supported over 150 local community jobs with earnings of approximately $3.4 million.

Explore the various routes and learn more about the program on the Travel Oregon Scenic Bikeways webpage.