HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-06 - BPAC Minutes
117 NW Lafayette Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97703 | P.O. Box 6005, Bend, OR 97708-6005
(541) 388-6575 bpac@deschutes .org www.deschutes.org/bpac
MEETING MINUTES
DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, December 6, 2018 - Noon to 1:30 pm
ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend
Audio recording of this meeting is archived for review and/or transcription. The purpose of this
document is to outline topics of discussion and actions by the Committee.
Members Present: Mark Smith, Wendy Holzman, Christopher Cassard, Dave Roth, Dave
Thomson, Sam Handleman, Katrina Langenderfer, Morgan Crowell, Scott Morgan, Rick
Root.
Agency/Organization: Zechariah Heck (Deschutes County – CDD), David Amiton and Chris
Cheng (ODOT), Scott Eliott (City of Bend, Police Dept.), Tom Headley (Century West
Engineering).
Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m.
Introductions
Attendees of the meeting introduced themselves and, if applicable, identified the
organization they represent.
Approval of Prior Minutes
The November 1, 2018, were approved unanimously.
Goals and Objectives
Sam updated the group on the sub-committee’s discussion items and research. One key
update is action timelines and who is responsible to carry out each action item. The
subcommittee has proposed to reorganize the BPAC goals and objectives to match the
BPAC charter. Next meeting will be January 8, 2019.
BPAC Drop Box
David T. informed the group that BPAC will create a new drop box account that will be
owned by the County.
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Bike Lane and Intersection Conflict
Several members requested a group discussion on conflicts in bike lanes. Wendy asked
Officer Elliot to explain the law. Sam asked a follow up question about bicyclists traveling
through an intersection and if they are afforded any protection. Officer Elliot explained the
law is not clear.
Scott asked if there is an awareness issue and if BPAC could educate the community on a
particular issue. Officer Elliot mentioned education is always a good thing. Bicyclists lose all
physical protection in an intersection and must remain hyper-aware. David Amiton offered
an interpretation of travel lane and bike lane as statutorily defined. David mentioned this
issue has highlighted an unintended consequence. Chris Cheng dovetailed David’s
comments and spoke to a legislative amendment that would define how travel/bike lanes
operate in intersection.
David Thomson offered a point that Oregon state law prevents vehicles from turning into a
bike lane. Other state’s bike lane laws require vehicles to merge into the lane, even if it is a
bike lane, before turning. David was not sure if this is the best approach, but did state
visibility is increased. Rick Root commented that the law allows dashed lane striping
through intersections and asked if there may be intersections where such stripping might
be appropriate. Another member mentioned there is technology that enable trucks to have
video capabilities to help decrease blind spots. The County Transportation Safety Action
Plan (TSAP) is live. Rick has asked them if the TSAP committee will consider right-hook
conflicts; they said yes. Rick also suggested BPAC engage with the City of Portland to see if
they can share their perspective.
BPAC Updates
BEND MPO
Rick provided documents on the Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP). There are
four steps: due diligence, network screening, counter measure development and
prioritization, implementation.
David informed the group the County TSAP citizen involvement committee will meet
on December 11, from 1 – 3pm, at the County Road Dept.
One of the goals of the TSAP program is to identify systemic issues and ways to
address them.
The TSP provides multiple options for improvement focused on facilitating traffic:
East-west connection.
For more information, view the Bend MPO website.
US 97 Parkway
David Amiton provided a map of the work ODOT has done to date to identify parallel
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routes for bikes.
Rick provided a schedule of meetings and project deadlines.
There were 1,800 respondents for the community survey. A key component was
bike/ped crossings.
Cascade Lakes Highway
David Roth updated the group on the program. There is a conflict between the
county, who owns the road, and the Forest Service, who owns the land adjacent to
the road.
Pilot Butte Master Plan
Katrina shared an overview of the stakeholder meeting. The meeting was designed
as a data collection.
Projections are that Pilot Butte will double in the amount of users in the next ten
years, which overwhelms the infrastructure.
The master plan is focused on what resources to protect.
There was not discussion about closing the road for vehicle traffic.
User groups asked about accessibility.
The next meeting will be in May.
South County
Scott appreciated the committee coming down to La Pine last month. No updates.
Sunriver Update
Mark Smith updated the group on a grade-separated crossing. A decision will be coming
shortly.
ODOT
Chris encouraged the group to stay involved in TSAP programs.
Deschutes County
The Bend MPO and City are updating their respective transportation plans, both of which
feature bike/ped accommodations. Terrebonne Refinement Plan continues and is now
comparing/contrasting a five-lane option for US 97 vs. a couplet using current 97 alignment
and 11th. Two lanes of traffic for each with bike lanes on both options as well as sidewalks.
The Terrebonne TAC will meet again in January to further review design concepts. A group
of commercial property owners, “Save Terrebonne! Coalition” opposes the couplet and
advocates for the five lanes.
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Messaging
None.
Open Floor
Wendy briefly discussed theCity of Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan. Cassie Lacy, the
City of Bend Sustainability Coordinator, will attend next month’s BPAC to discuss the
transportation component of the climate action plan.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:30 pm
Next Meeting
Thursday, January 3, 2019
12:00 to 1:30 pm
ODOT, 63055 N Hwy 97, Building M, Diamond and Crater Lake Conference Rooms, Bend