BEND, OR -- The Central Oregon Trail Alliance is working to spread trail usage out across the region. COTA’s Vanessa Fron says the goal is to reduce unnecessary congestion at popular Bend locations, "When they start mountain biking, they think of Phil’s Trailhead in Bend. But there are a multitude of other places that you can start mountain biking. You don’t have to come to Bend for that; and you don’t have to stay in Bend for that, either."

The nonprofit helps maintain 600 miles of single-track trails around the region and creates an average of 10 new miles each year. This spring, COTA used grant money to make it easier for people to find trails in Redmond, Madras and Prineville. "A lot of these new trailheads have signage that are up to date with all of the new trails that have been put into the area," says Fron, "Aside from that, we also got resources to spread to the community, so that they know how to get to these places and feel comfortable riding there with the level that they’re at." She tells KBND News, "We made a bunch of brochures, trifolds and flyers to send out into the community at local gas stations and diners and grocery stores, so that people can come to the town and see what it has to offer."

While COTA is primarily focused on mountain bikers, Fron says the group also wants to make sure trails are welcoming for every user, "We actually just partnered with Oregon Equestrian Trails to come together at Cascade View Trailhead out of Redmond, because we all just got an approved new trail in that area." She reminds mountain bikers they are supposed to yield to everyone else, "We come in hot, we come in fast. And it’s important that we respect our other trail users, because we’re all out there to enjoy nature together. And it’s important to note that horses are skittish. And if you’re coming in hot, the last thing you want to do is put that horse out, and all of a sudden they’re running off, they’re kicking, you’re going to put yourself and that rider in danger."

Click HERE for information on getting involved with trail maintenance as a COTA volunteer. 

Photo: Bikers enjoy the Wanoga Pump Track in 2023; courtesy of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance.