Month of December: Pedal Power

The Independence Heritage Museum has curated a new, temporary exhibit: Pedal Power: Bicycles in the Willamette Valley, which will be open to the public for the month of December.

The exhibit follows three tracks:

1) The story of local bicycle collector, Larry Fast and a small glimpse into his collection

2) The history of Oregon’s Scenic Bikeways (the only state in the country to have designated scenic bike routes)

3) Bike safety and information and helmet give-away

Visiting the exhibit will evoke nostalgia for bygone bikes, and feature Larry Fast, a passionate, local antique bicycle collector. Five bikes will be on display, along with information about each, and why Larry has made them part of his collection.

Pedal Power explores the innovative thinking behind Oregon’s Scenic Bikeway. Modeled after automobile scenic byways, Oregon’s Bikeways are hailed as being the first and only program in the United States with official state-designated bike routes, as well as printable maps, GPS cue sheets, and on-road signage.

Finally, in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Transportation, Cycle Oregon, and Mid-Valley Bike Club, the exhibit will provide free take-home information about bike safety and rules for all ages. 

December 3rd, 2022 will be a big day at the museum. Mid-Valley Bike Club, a non-profit based in Corvallis, will be at the museum providing helmets for kids who come to the exhibit. A member of the club will be at the museum to make sure the helmets are properly fitted. Once the perfect helmet has been selected, the child may take the helmet home for free, but donations are encouraged.

In addition to Mid-Valley Bike Club’s visit on December 3rd, Larry Fast will be at the museum to answer any questions visitors might have about the bikes on display. He is very knowledgeable about antique bicycles and will be delighted to share what he knows with museum goers.

The Heritage Museum Gift Shop will feature new items related to the exhibit, and museum members receive 10% discount on all store purchases. Bicycles have become synonymous with Oregon – visit the Heritage Museum in December to learn more about one of Oregon’s favorite pastimes.