SALEM — A Jackson County state senator who used to be a semi-professional bicycle racer has introduced legislation to build two velodromes, one in Southern Oregon and another in Portland.

Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Central Point, has lined up several co-sponsors, including Democratic Majority Leader Kate Brown, D-Portland. And he has drawn enthusiastic support from the bicycling community.

The bill would appropriate some $3.5 million from lottery funds allocated for state parks. But much of the funding will have to come from local sources, he said.

"I have to demonstrate that the local community is behind it, and they would be willing to put some money on the table," Atkinson said. He said Portland bike enthusiasts have rallied behind the measure.

"They have a Web site up and running in Portland, and they are raising money," he said.

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The bill also has the backing of Southern Oregon bicyclists and bike shop owners, Atkinson said. Brad Hicks, president of the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County, said he will recommend his board lend its support as well.

Atkinson said many bicyclists have trained in Southern Oregon, some world-class riders. "We are a hub for bicycling," he said.

"We're already well-known in international circles; (a velodrome) will put us on Main Street," he added.

The Medford velodrome would be open-air, to be used for training, team and individual racing. No site has been identified, but Atkinson said it shouldn't be too difficult "to find the dirt" for the structure.

Atkinson said he fully expects the bill to get a hearing, thanks to the number of sponsors from Jackson County and the Portland area, including the influential Brown. It likely will go to the Environment and Natural Resources committee, where Atkinson serves as vice-chairman.

Jackson County co-sponsors include Sen. Alan Bates, D-Ashland, and Reps. Peter Buckley, D-Ashland, and Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point.

Atkinson raced internationally for Athletes in Action and Maranatha Natural Foods of Ashland. Today, he competes locally about once a week.

Another bill involving bicycles has also been introduced by Atkinson.

Senate Bill 729 would exempt "track" or fixed-gear bikes from a law requiring that all bicycles have brakes.

Bike messengers in major cities, including Portland, prefer them because they are light and highly maneuverable. Atkinson sometimes used one during his campaign for governor.

Don Jepsen is a freelance writer living in Salem. Reach him at jepsen34@open.org.