About Salem Bike Vision
An Investment in the Future of Salem
We believe Salem needs a safe and efficient bike system for all residents to get around the city. By 2035, estimates show as many as 60,000 new residents will move to Salem. Meanwhile, new housing developments are pivoting away from car infrastructure and encouraging residents to use bikes and public transportation.
Salem Bike Vision (SBV) works to create safe, direct, and protected bike infrastructure throughout the community of Salem, Oregon. The effort was founded by community leaders serving on the City Council, the local transit district Board of Directors, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board who possess a shared vision for an interconnected bike system for the future of Salem.
The goal is to develop a comprehensive bike network that utilizes existing infrastructure in a way that will provide unprecedented access and direct routes for residents traveling by bicycle.
Most importantly, the vision will ensure protected bike lanes that allow riders of all ages and skill levels to feel safe and comfortable.
Safe and Family Friendly
The protected bike lanes would separate riders from traffic, helping riders feel comfortable no matter their age or experience.
Nearly two-thirds of the US adult population may be interested in riding more often, given better places to ride, and as many as 81% of those would ride in protected bike lanes. Protected bike lanes that eliminate stress will attract traditionally under-represented populations, including women, children, and seniors.
Climate Conscious
Transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in Salem. as well as the whole state of Oregon. We need alternative modes of transportation to successfully reduce our footprint, and safe and direct bike infrastructure is an important part of making that possible.
Salem Bike Vision also benefits…
Health and Wellbeing
An increasing number of studies are showing the mental and physical health benefits of time outside, and providing opportunities for safe biking will allow more families to explore Salem as well as access our many parks and green spaces.
Equity and Access
The Salem Bike Vision calls for a protected North-South and East-West corridor while also providing connections throughout the city. This will ensure that every community benefits from this infrastructure. Also, not every resident has access to a vehicle, so providing bike access opens up more of the community to everyone.
Economic Opportunity
Studies have found that bike infrastructure can lead to positive economic impact, such as increased retail employment, food sales, and other benefits.
SBV In The News
Councilor floats a “bike vision” for Salem streets - Salem Reporter
City to poll voters before finalizing infrastructure package - Salem Reporter
City Councilor, Cherriots Board President, Parks vice-Chair Float Protected Bike Lane Proposal - Breakfast on Bikes blog
Salem Protected Bike Lane Voters Infrastructure Bond Election - Statesman Journal
Protected bike lane network proposed for Salem - Hines Sight blog
Who We Are
We are community leaders that came together around a shared vision for Salem.
Virginia Stapleton
Salem City Councilor for Ward 1
Ian Davidson
Vice President of the Board of Directors for Cherriots
Dylan McDowell
Vice Chair of the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Our three SBV co-founders initially came together in the summer of 2021 to discuss opportunities for collaboration. By March of 2022, we had developed a proposed map of Salem with North-South and East-West bike routes throughout the city, along with numerous connecting routes leading to businesses, neighborhoods, parks, and other landmarks. We formally launched the idea of a Salem Bike Vision at the end of March along with an early website and press release. The concept attracted positive attention from the media and members of the public, with more than 100 people signing up to receive email updates in the first month alone. Our initial efforts focused on incorporating safe and protected bike infrastructure into the historic $300 million bond being considered by the city. Through our initial organizing and community outreach, we had high turnout of public testimony at City Council meetings. We have also organized our first policymaker bike ride for 10 key decision makers throughout the community.
We secured our first grant from People for Bikes, a national nonprofit with a similar mission to ours! The PeopleForBikes Campaign is our public-facing movement to unite millions of people in support of better bicycling across the country. By helping us reach more people, you will strengthen our efforts to improve the environment for bicycling everywhere.
