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Washington State Scenic Bikeways
State Parks is in the process of developing a statewide Scenic Bikeways program. Our management of the program includes overseeing the route nomination and implementation process. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is the decision-making group with authority to designate a proposed route as a Scenic Bikeway.
This program involves participation from the public who have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.
This program involves participation from the public who have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.
What makes a Scenic Bikeway?
A Scenic Bikeway is a bike route made up of shared use paths, bike lanes, and/or roadways which have exceptional scenic, cultural, historic and/or recreational value. Scenic Bikeways should connect parks and open spaces, have places to fix your bike, get food, stay overnight; and they should encourage local economic activity. Routes may be located anywhere land managers provide their consent.
Designating a Scenic Bikeway
There is a proposed multi-step process to designate a Scenic Bikeway.
Step one
Any individual may nominate a route using an online form. Routes should be contiguous, fully constructed and be pleasant routes for riding bikes. Nominations will require a map of the proposed route, information on how to access the route, photos and a description of the scenic, cultural, historic and/or recreational value of that route.
Step two
Proponents of selected routes will make presentations to State Parks staff and advisory task force members. Presentations will be 10-20 minutes long and held virtually.
Step three
State Parks, all bikeway owners along the route, and local destination marketing organizations work together to decide who will be responsible for each element of implementing the Scenic Bikeway. This will include a sign plan, marketing and mapmaking, maintenance and funding.
Step four
Recommended routes will be presented to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for formal action.
Step five
With Commission designation, State Parks and partners will carry out their respective parts of the MOU.
This route nomination process will repeat as resources are available.
Scenic Bikeways Advisory Task Force
The Scenic Bikeways Task Force is an advisory group that works with Parks staff throughout the development and early implementation of this new program. The task force is comprised of individuals serving two-year terms.
State Parks seeks to incorporate community knowledge throughout the process to create a program that welcomes a broad group of recreational visitors. The task force is intended to reflect the diverse populations served by the agency.
Task force duties include:
- Reviewing and discussing draft processes, such as evaluation criteria for nominated routes
- Reviewing and evaluating route proposals
Current task force members:
| Chris Brewer | Marilyn Hedges | Christ Thomsen |
| Debra Byrd | Donald Holguin | Jeff Watson |
| Steve Durrant | Shrey Sangal | Grace Young |
| Lisa Giacchino | Russ Schwartz |
Background
The statewide Scenic Bikeways Program was established by the state legislature through Revised Code of Washington (“RCW”) 79A.05.800.
State Parks is in the process of developing the program.
This program has not yet launched. There will be announcements with a schedule and more details closer to the public launch of the program.
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Contact Us
| Department | Scenic Bikeways Program |
|---|---|
| ScenicBikeways@parks.wa.gov | |