Oregon Cycling is an educational newspaper informing the public of all aspects of cycling in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. The purpose of the Oregon Cycling project is summed up in its mission statement:

Oregon Cycling will work ceaselessly to promote all aspects of cycling as they relate to Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the world. We recognize that human powered vehicles offer clean, efficient, sustainable, appropriate, and environmentally sound means of transportation and recreation.

The paper is published nines times a year, and 13,500 copies are printed for each edition. Copies are distributed free of charge to schools, shops, and other public places in the cities and larger towns of Oregon and in the more remote parts of the state, absorbing the cost of distribution as a public service. There are approximately 200 paid subscriptions. Additional support comes from grants and contributions.

The writers for Oregon Cycling are drawn from a diverse group in Oregon and elsewhere. Government representatives, members of advocacy groups, recreational cyclists, racers, and others interested in cycling, donate their writing and photography to the paper. Also, a student from the University of Oregon has volunteered as an intern since April, 1993. Her experience at Oregon Cycling has been valuable, and plans are in the works to expand the intern program at the paper. The interns are involved in all aspects of newspaper production and day-to-day operations of non-profit educational projects.

The editorial content of the paper is kept as diverse as possible so that many members of the cycling community, as well as non-cyclists, will be drawn to the paper. In addition to recreation and racing, we focus on as many social, governmental, legal, and public awareness issues as possible. For example, in the February 1993 issue a story about how real people handle the challenges of bicycle commuting appeared the cover. In April of 1993 a discussion of the impending helmet law appeared on the front page (see attached issue), and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Manager for the state of Oregon wrote a story about the merits of "Bike lanes versus shared roadways" (see attached issue, page 15). A continuing column called "Bikes and the Law" has discussed issues such as cyclist's rights on the road and relevant court cases. In the July 1993 issue we ran a story which explored stereotypes surrounding women who work in bike shops.

Oregon Cycling was printed continuously from 1982 to 1992 by various publishers. On September 26th, 1992 Oregon Cycling was brought into the Rain Umbrella when it was realized that the paper might not otherwise survive. The Umbrella's board realized that Oregon Cycling could be an important vehicle for education and communication between the members of the cycling community, and would help the non-profit achieve some of its educational goals.

Nine issues have been printed since it became a part of the Rain Umbrella: Winter 1992, February 1993, March 1993, April 1993, May 1993, June 1993, July 1993, August 1993, Fall 1993.

Oregon Cycling is advised by a board which meets after each issue is printed. The board discusses the direction and progress of the paper to ensure it is achieving its educational and charitable purposes. Members of the board are volunteers.

Equipment to publish the paper was donated, and loaned, to the Rain Umbrella. The bulk of funding comes from paid advertisements. Some funding comes from paid subscriptions, numbering close to 200. Oregon Cycling applied for a $10,000 grant through the Bullitt Foundation in July of 1993. If approved the grant will 1) provide funds to increase coverage of advocacy issues, and, 2) allow for a broader distribution to less accessible areas of the state that could benefit from receiving free copies (i.e. more schools, governmental institutions, prisons, community centers, etc.) The grant will also provide a small stipend for a coordinator who will research public interest cycling issues around Oregon.