Oregon Coast Bike Route
Proposed Solutions Map
The Oregon Department of Transportation is identifying possible improvements to the Oregon Coast Bike Route, a popular bike route that runs the length of the Oregon coast.
Potential solutions
This site describes possible solutions to the highest priority problem areas or "critical needs" that were identified along the Oregon Coast Bike Route. These locations tend to have narrow or non-existent space for bicycles and/or have higher crash history or risks.
The project team reviewed existing plans (like Transportation System Plans) already adopted by communities along US 101 to inform development of these draft solutions. In some cases, the draft solutions may not align exactly with projects in these existing plans, but do align with the principles and goals of the plans. The OCBR project is taking a fresh look at critical needs for cyclists along the route, resulting in some new and different ideas on potential solutions.
How to Participate
- Click through the icons and lines on the map to learn about the proposed projects and provide feedback.
- This site is currently closed to new comments.
These ideas are a starting point for further discussion
Some of the proposed solutions include "lane reconfigurations" on US 101 that could change roadway space to improve cyclist comfort as well as safety for all roadway users. Some of these ideas are new, while others are already part of existing local plans.
It is important to understand that the ideas and illustrations shown for each problem area are concepts and not actual plans. The concepts shown here will be refined based on your feedback. Future studies are required to understand the ultimate feasibility of these concepts, as well as additional close coordination between ODOT, local jurisdictions and the public.
Why are we doing this?
The Oregon Coast Bike Route was designated in the early 1980s. It has now been more than a decade since ODOT has looked at how to improve the route. With changes in bicycle and roadway standards, the growth of bike tourism, and the increase of all tourism traffic along U.S. 101, it’s the right time to do this work.
What will the plan do?
The Oregon Coast Bike Route Plan will increase safety, accessibility and enjoyment for residents and visitors by identifying needs and prioritizing improvements to the route. The Plan will:
- Define the route – both where it follows U.S. 101 and where it follows other roadways.
- Identify ways that ODOT and local jurisdictions can improve the route and support riders.
- Identify high priority improvements and a plan for implementing those improvements.
What we’ve learned so far
In spring 2018, ODOT received over 900 responses from people who have ridden the Oregon Coast Bike Route or who were interested in similar cycling experiences but have chosen not to ride the OCBR. Highlights from the user survey:
- It is estimated that between 6-10,000 people ride the OCBR annually.
- Individual riders report spending about $500 during their trips which contributes to $3-5 million in annual tourism spending on the coast related to cycling.
- About half of respondents had ridden a significant portion of the OCBR, and the other half had not.
- In a nutshell, cyclists love riding on OCBR, but also find portions of the route "scary" and "dangerous."
- Half of respondents who have not yet ridden the OCBR would consider riding it.
- The top concern for new and potential riders was safety.
- The additional draw to riding on the OCBR is its beauty and amenities.
