Save-the-Date: June 11 @ 12:30 p.m. Bike Bill Celebration

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Bike Bill Signing

June 11, 1971 Governor Tom McCall signs the bike bill on the seat of a ten-speed bicycle at the capitol in Salem. To his left is Don Stathos, who authored the law. (The Stathos family gave ODOT permission to use this photo.)

Pedal Power Begins: Oregon’s 1971 "Bike Bill" Changed Oregon's Roads Forever

Join us to celebrate 55 years of Oregon’s “Bike Bill” on June 11, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at the Oregon State Capitol State Park in Salem. Bike, roll, walk or drive; however you get here, just come!

This historic legislation was the first of its kind in the nation, requiring road projects to include accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians and designating at least 1% of highway funds for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. 

ODOT invites you to celebrate this milestone and to continue supporting safe roads and streets for biking, walking and rolling. 

Location: Oregon State Capitol State Park, North Side of Court Street

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026

Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 

Free gift: ODOT's newly designed Oregon Coast Bike Route Map aims to boost local, national and international tourism along our vibrant and scenic coastline.

All welcome: ODOT invites the public to celebrate this milestone. Bikes, trikes, strollers, wheelchairs, skates, bring whatever moves you. We’d love to see you.

History: Oregon’s "Bike Bill" was sponsored by Republican State Representative Don Stathos, a dad in Jacksonville who wanted to bike safely with his children. The bill, signed into law in 1971 by Governor Tom McCall, has been instrumental in creating a transportation system that is safer for people who walk, bike or roll.

Did you know? All government agencies, including cities and counties, that receive state highway funds, must invest in bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure when building, rebuilding or maintaining roads and streets. 

Questions:

Oregon State Capital State Park Location for June 11 event

Do you know about ODOT's free safety resources for biking, walking and rolling and our Safe Routes to School program?
Get free safety resources for your next event. Oregon residents and agencies can order educational materials including flyers, coloring books, and comicsI at no cost. Simply visit Order Free Educational Material to order materials to help promote safe walking, biking and rolling in your community.

Learn more about Safe Routes to School education programs and check out our funding opportunities