Today the Washington State House of Representatives approved HB 2587, Representative Alex Ramel’s scenic bikeways legislation.
This was Ramel’s first bill to pass off the house floor, and it received resounding bipartisan support. The program, which would designate scenic bikeways across the state, is modeled after a successful program in Oregon.
“Washington State is filled with some of the most beautiful and engaging landscapes anywhere in the world. A scenic bikeways program will encourage cyclists to visit and enjoy what our state has to offer, and will support local business along the way.” said Ramel.
In Oregon nearly 90,000 people a year take advantage of the bikeways program, and they bring in an estimated $12 million annually in tourism expenditures.
Recreation Northwest is supportive of HB 2587, their Executive Director Todd Elsworth, added that “Scenic Bikeways are excellent economic drivers, generating money both through local recreation and tourism. Often, the trails pass through rural areas that are experiencing economic transformations- evolving from natural resource extraction to capitalizing on outdoor recreation activities and amenities. More bikes means more business.”
With the 96-1 vote in the house, the bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.