Newberg resident David Heddy delivered a compelling presentation to the Chehalem Heritage Trails Advisory Committee on March 11th, 2025, passionately advocating for the development of more bicycle trails within the Chehalem Park and Recreation District (CPRD). His presentation highlighted the importance of cycling for mental and physical well-being, its role in family recreation, and the significant demand for off-road cycling opportunities in the area.
Heddy began by sharing his personal connection to cycling, noting that access to trails was a key factor in his family’s decision to move to Newberg nearly five years ago. He emphasized the need for safe, off-road cycling options, citing concerns about traffic safety on roads.
Drawing on CPRD’s own trail survey, Heddy pointed out that 81% of respondents supported more trails, while 54% of bicycle riders felt the variety of existing trails was inadequate. He also highlighted the significant $8.4 billion impact of outdoor recreation on Oregon’s economy in 2023, suggesting that enhanced trail systems could boost the local economy and make it more livable.
Heddy differentiated between various types of cycling, including recreational nature cycling, skills tracks, and more extreme downhill mountain biking, clarifying that the type of riding he and his family enjoy and had previously done at Rilee Park is more recreational in nature. He also mentioned his positive experiences with shared-use trails in other locations, where a yielding system prioritizes equestrians, followed by pedestrians, and then cyclists.
Recounting his experience riding at Rilee Park until access was lost in 2023, Heddy inquired about the possibility of replacement trails, questioning the committee on potential locations, funding, and timelines. He also raised the possibility of an intermediate solution that might allow limited bicycle access to a portion of Riley Park in the interim. Bicycles were banned from Rilee Park in September 2023, were subsequently removed from the master plan, and now cyclists, who make up over 30% of trail users, have no off-street trails to ride. This contrasts with the fact that over 1/3rd of CPRD’s park property is dedicated to equestrian use, a group that makes up less than 3% of trail users.
The ensuing discussion involved committee members raising questions about shared-use trail etiquette and potential conflicts between cyclists and equestrians . Committee member Matt Smith discussed potential future locations for mountain bike trails, including a 100-acre riverfront property and a county-owned former landfill with interesting slope. His estimated timeline for adding bike trails to these properties is 20 years. He also stated that a significant financial hurdle of several million dollars stands in the way.
Jason Fields affirmed the board’s commitment to finding a location for bicycle trails, acknowledging the recent changes in superintendent that had caused some delays. Heddy expressed his willingness to continue the conversation and work collaboratively with the committee.
Overall, David Heddy’s presentation effectively articulated the need and demand for more bicycle trails within the CPRD, sparking a discussion about potential solutions and the district’s ongoing efforts to address the recreational needs of its diverse community. The committee acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated a commitment to exploring options for expanding cycling opportunities in the future.
You can watch a replay of Heddy’s presentation here: