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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBike-Ped Committee AwardsDeschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org AGENDA REQUEST & STAFF REPORT For Board Business Meeting of June 21, 2010 Please see directions for completing this document on the next page. DATE: June 15, 2010 FROM: Cynthia Smidt Community Development Department 317-3150 TITLE OF AGENDA ITEM: Presentation of "Big Chainring" and "Safe Sidewalk" Awards from the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS DATE? No BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has selected the 2010 ' Big Chainring" Award recipients. Since 1996, the Big Chainring Awards have been awarded annually tc honor individuals, businesses, and public agencies that have made significant contributions in the support of better bicycling and walking in Central Oregon. In addition, the Peter Hanson Memorial Award specifically recognizes individuals in the community who have provided outstanding volunt: ry contributions. Staff and BPAC members request that the Board assist in the presentation of four aw: rds this year: the "Peter Hanson Memorial Award" to David Blair and the Big Chainring award to Pete. Werner, the Old Mill District, and City of Sisters (Community Development and Public Works Departments). The BPAC has selected the 2010 "Safe Sidewalks" Award recipients. Since 2006, the Safe Sidewalks Awards have recognized those businesses and property owners who not only fulfill, but also often exceed, the legal requirements to remove snow and ice from sidewalks. Staff and BPAC members request that the Board assist in the presentation of eight awards this year: Bend Plan Center, High Desert Fitness, Interior Flooring Solutions, The Old Mill District, US Bank at NE 3rd & Olney, Downtown Urban Renewal Advisory Committee, The Sisters Market, and Tollgate Property Ownei s Association. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None RECOMMENDATION & ACTION REQUESTED: Staff requests that the Board assist in the presentation of the Big Chainring and Safe Sidewalks awa rds this year. ATTENDANCE: Cheryl Howard, Chair of BPAC DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTS: Cynthia Smidt Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend Oregon 97701..-1925 (541)388-6575 FAX (541)385-1764 http://www.co.deschutes.or.0 ;/cdd/ Press Release: 2010 "Big Chainring" Awards to be awarded June 21 The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has selected 2010 "Big Chainring" Award recipients. David Blair, Peter Werner, the City of Sisters, and The Old Mill District will be recognized on June 21 for their contributions to pedestrian and bicycle friendly environments in Deschutes County. The awards will be presented at the Deschutes County Board of Commissioner's Business Meeting on Monday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Barnes and Sawyer rooms of the Deschutes County Services Center at 1300 NW Wall Street in Bend. Since 1996, the Big Chainring Awards have been awarded annually to honor individuals, businesses, and public agencies that have made significant contributions in support of better bicycling and walking in Central Oregon. This year's winners include: David Blair — Peter Hanson Memorial Award The Peter Hanson Memorial Award recognizes community members that have provided outstanding voluntary contributions. David Blair has been a key staff person working to prepare the 2008 report of the Deschutes County Ad Hoc Committee on Recreational Assets convened by Senator Wyden. In particular, David helped ensure that the report focused significantly on efforts to improve bicycling assets in the County — including expanded mountain biking around Bend, improved multi -use trails along the Deschutes River and along irrigation canals, and better cycling connectivity among County urban areas. A key outcome of this work was the application to propose a series of routes in Central Oregon as the Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway to the state's Scenic Bikeways program. This designation will be a key asset to the cycling community and the local economy. While many contributed to design the routes and prepare the materials, David was the driving force behind the effort, motivating all involved to do more, ensuring that the application was coordinated among multiple volunteer groups and that it was submitted on time. Without him, it simply would not have happened. Peter Werner — Big Chainring Award for Individual Whether it is out of necessity or for the pure love of cycling and faith in alternative transportation, you will find Peter Werner actively participating in various bicycle education programs throughout Deschutes County. He volunteers for Commute Options to teach Safe Routes to School, is involved with the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and is currently working with the Bend Downtowners to procure and install new bicycle racks and a bike corral. In addition, Peter rides with neighborhood kids to High Lakes Elementary during Walk + Bike week and proceeds to hand out prizes to those kids that use alternative transportation. Based on his sustainable practices, he is the only lawyer listed in the Green Spot directory, riding his bicycle to meet with clients. Anyone familiar with Peter Werner Quality Services Performed with Pride can confirm that he rides his bike everywhere, messenger bag on his back, lit up with multiple flashing lights while asking unprotected cyclists where they've placed their bike helmets! City of Sisters (Community Development and Public Works Departments) — Big Chainrinq Award for Public Agency These two public departments demonstrated outstanding work in the past year improving the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers in the City of Sisters. Their work is a testament to their commitment to improving cycling and walking in Sisters and warrants recognition. Specific projects include the design and implementation of: 1. A significant program of sidewalk infill, especially in front of the Sisters Elementary School and in nearby residential areas 2. A separated and paved 1 -mile multi -use pathway along the north side of Highway 242 between Hood Street and Barclay Drive, which is a critical link between most residential areas and the Middle School, and then extending that another quarter mile toward Sisters High School. 3. A one-half mile paved Whychus Creek trail between the downtown core and Five Pines resort which provides both a recreational path and an important pedestrian and cycling link between these two high use areas — a Zink that includes the Sisters Creekside Park and the Sisters Overnight Park and avoids US 20. 4. Of an extensive program of new sidewalks in much of the downtown commercial core, including nearly 100 spaces of innovative back -in diagonal parking, a safer alternative for both drivers and cyclists. Lastly, with support from the Sisters School District, the City obtained a very large grant to implement an ambitious Safe Routes to School Program, which will be implemented over the 2010-11 school year. Old Mill District— Big Chainrinq Award for Business The Old Mill District encompasses approximately 270 acres along the Deschutes River in Bend. Working closely with the Bend Parks and Recreation District, the property was developed with a network of walking and biking trails so that the community could fully enjoy the natural beauty of the area. These trails provide connectivity to the greater trail network of the area and consist of four loops that range from 1 to 2.4 miles each. Each loop is color coded and lined by lighted bollards that provide directional information. Many of these bollards hold memorial plaques to commemorate local individuals that have contributed in a significant way to Bend, or are involved in the land's timber history. In addition, the Old Mill District will be adding large interpretive signs featuring historic photos and information about the land's logging and timber mill history. Those who use the trails can enjoy beautiful landscaping and natural areas, while learning historical information at the same time. For more information about the annual Big Chainring Awards, please contact Deschutes County Associate Planner Cynthia Smidt at (541) 317-3150. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee NEWS RELEASE Bend, Oregon 117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend Oregon 97701-1925 (541)388-6575 FAX (541)385-1764 http://www.co.deschutes.or.0 >/cdd/ MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Smidt, (541) 317-3150 June 2, 2010 County Businesses Recognized June 21 with Safe Sidewalk Awards This past winter, eight Deschutes County businesses "cemented" their reputations for providing potential customers and pedestrians with a slip -free environment. On June 21, the businesses will receive Safe Sidewalk awards from the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The "Safe Sidewalk Awards" w ill be presented at the Deschutes County Board of Commissioner's Business Meeting held on Monday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Barnes and Sawyer rooms of the Deschutes County Services Center at 1300 NW Wall Street in Bend. BPAC accepted public nominations for businesses that not only followed, but also exceeded the legal requirements of keeping their sidewalks safe and clear this past winter. Each year, the award serves as a positive reminder to businesses that promptly removing snow and ice from sidewalks helps ensure the safety of pedestrians and helps to attract customers. 2009-2010 winners include: City of Bend Businesses Bend Plan Center High Desert Fitness Interior Flooring Solutions The Old Mill District US Bank at NE 3rd & Olney City of Redmond Businesses Downtown Urban Renewal Advisory Committee Quality Services Performed with Pride 2010 Safe Sidewalks Awards Cont'd PAGE TWO City of Sisters Businesses The Sisters Market Tollgate Property Owners Association City of La Pine Businesses No nominations received For more information about how to nominate a business for a BPAC Safe Sidewalks Award next winter, please call the Deschutes County Community Development Department at (541) 317-3150. Deschutes County Government provides for the safety, security and health of Deschutes County's 167,000 citizens through public safety, human services, adult and juvenile corrections and many other valuable public services. For more information, please go to www.deschutes.orq