HomeMy WebLinkAboutSkyliners Rd UpdateDeschutes County
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Report to the Board of County Commissioners
for consideration at the
April 14, 2010 Board Worksession
Purpose
The members of the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) wish to
express our gratitude to the Board of County Commissioners for the opportunity to provide input
regarding proposed Ordinance 2010-013, “An Ordinance Amending Title 10, adding Chapter 10.06 to
the Deschutes County Code to Regulate Bicycle Travel on Skyliners Road and Declaring an
Emergency.” Further, we are eager to assist the Board in your efforts to seek creative and effective
resolution to issues of safety and conflict along this important transportation corridor. The purpose of
this report is to summarize findings regarding the proposed Ordinance; define the position and
recommendations of the BPAC regarding the proposed Ordinance; and provide suggested alternative
actions to address substantial issues of safety for motorists and non-motorists using the corridor, and to
address issues of convenience and opportunities for quiet enjoyment for community members living in
proximity to corridor.
Process to Formulate a Recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners
BPAC hosted two worksessions to hear comments, ideas and concerns of affected interest groups.
Worksessions were held on Thursday, March 18 and Monday, March 22, 2010. Attendees included
homeowners, motorists, bicyclists, and representatives from law enforcement, bicycle advocacy groups
and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Results of these meetings, including comments and
suggestions made by attendees, were documented and shared with the BPAC membership.
BPAC members reviewed comparable policies and creative resolution to comparable issues in other
jurisdictions. Additionally, certain sections of the Oregon Revised Statutes, particularly ORS 811.065,
Unsafe passing of a person operating a bicycle, and ORS 814.430, exception C, which permits leaving
the right edge of the roadway "to avoid unsafe operation in a lane on the roadway that is too narrow for
a bicycle and vehicle to travel safely side by side." were considered for relevance to the circumstances
of Skyliners Road and consequences of the proposed Ordinance.
BPAC Recommendation Regarding the proposed Ordinance 2010-013
At a regular meeting on Thursday, April 1, 2010, following thoughtful deliberation by all present, the
BPAC achieved consensus that it cannot endorse the proposed Ordinance 2010-013. It is the position of
the Committee that, while enacting the ordinance may be in compliance with the laws and policies of
the State of Oregon and which enable the establishment of local ordinances by County governments,
such action is contrary to the spirit of those laws that govern bicycling on roadways and shared use of
roadways by motorists and non-motorists. It is our determination that the proposed Ordinance may in
fact exacerbate safety issues, in part by extending passing distances for motorists. Further, the
Ordinance may serve to confuse roadway users in other travel corridors, and may become a catalyst for
unfounded requests to implement similar policies on other County roads.
Page 1 of 2
Proposed Alternative Actions to Address Safety Issues and Mitigate Citizen Concerns regarding Shared
Use of the Roadway.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee recognizes its responsibility to support the Board of
County Commissioners in its effort to mitigate conflicts resulting from shared use of the Skyliners
Road. Essentially our goal is to enhance bicyclist and motorist safety on Skyliners Road by:
•encouraging the use of alternative, suitable and potentially less hazardous routes in the
community by recreational bicyclists;
•educating motorists and bicyclists about applicable laws governing shared use of roadways;
•creating a public education plan to inform the public about the situation on the road;
•working to positively influence the design of the Skyliners Road improvements;
•setting a precedent for other roads of similar type in the county;
•and by creating an atmosphere of cooperation among all interested parties.
To achieve this goal, we commit to directly implement or support the implementation of the following
suggested alternatives:
•Engage Cycling Ambassadors to model and share appropriate behaviors and etiquette. Due to
issues of liability, it was suggested that this action will focus on events rather than everyday
recreational cyclists and other roadway users.
•Educate Law Enforcement officials. There is recognition of current inconsistencies in the
application of laws associated with the issues that have emerged on Skyliners Road. This was
affirmed by law enforcement representatives from the city of Bend and Deschutes County
present at the April 1, 2010 BPAC meeting.
•Design and Implement a multi-faceted Educational campaign. Targeted to all roadway users
(locals and tourists), this would employ print, broadcast and internet media to deliver
appropriate and effective messages regarding safety, etiquette, and shared-use principals.
•Involve bicycling shops to promote alternative routes ahead of anticipated road construction and
improvement. As one facet of the Educational campaign (above), local bicycle shops would be
specifically targeted as a direct source of information to the cycling community.
•Design and Install Entryway Kiosk/Construction sign. This would be modeled after those at
trail heads, with a header that may read "Skyliners Road - Use Extreme Caution - Temporary
Restrictions for Bicyclists." The kiosk would provide instructions for both road bikers and
mountain bike trails, information about the construction, and other policies and considerations.
It may also include notice about the hazards/safety, brochures about websites. etc. for other
rides (same brochure to be used for the bikeshops, as above), and a small pullout so people can
get off of the main roadway and read the information.
•Provide Support and Advocacy for efforts to expeditiously and cost-effectively improve
Skyliners Road for all roadway users in conjunction with USDA Forest Service and the city of
Bend.
Page 2 of 2