HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-02 - 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, July 2, 2020, 12:00 to 1:30 pm
Virtual Zoom Meeting
Members Present: Dave Thomson, Christopher Cassard, Ann Marland, Rick Root, Sam Handelman,
Scott Morgan, and Wendy Holzman.
Agency/Organization: Tanya Saltzman (Deschutes County – CDD), Ashley Hooper (Cascades East
Transit/COIC), Chris Cheng (ODOT), Kim Curley (Commute Options), Jovi Anderson (Bend MPO).
Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m.
Introductions
Tanya provided a brief introduction of virtual meeting procedures via the Zoom platform. Attendees
of the meeting introduced themselves and, if applicable, identified the organization they represent.
In addition to the committee members and representatives from agencies/organizations listed
above, ten members of the public and/or prospective BPAC members also attended, but are not
listed by name.
Approval of Prior Minutes
The June 2020 minutes were approved with no changes.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
General Updates - Dave
Membership openings: BPAC received 29 applications for the four positions (three at-large,
one for Redmond). The selection subcommittee met once and is working on the interview
process. Once candidates are interviewed and finalists selected by the subcommittee, they
will be taken to the full BPAC for approval, after which they will be confirmed by the Board
of County Commissioners in August.
Subcommittee Updates
Per last month’s discussion, the two subcommittees will temporarily combine to address the
TSP. Chris, Sam, and Dave met to discuss the TSP, and they will discuss proposed goals at
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the next meeting. They recommended reading the current TSP, as it is helpful background
information.
Tri-County Summit discussion
Dave sought input from the group as to proceed with the annual Tri-County Summit or not,
given restrictions in place due to COVID.
The consensus was to not hold the summit as planned, owing to the many uncertainties
surrounding work, gatherings, etc.
A potential alternative arose, which would involve placing related bicycle-pedestrain-related
materials online (webinars, presentations, etc.). This conversation will be continued further
(point person: Sam).
Letters of support
BPAC will provide two letters of support:
To Deschutes County for a TGM grant to add trails to the TSP map as part of the
implementation of the Sisters County visioning
To COIC/CET supporting the Bend MPO for a TGM grant for a mobility hub feasibility study.
E-bikes on trails discussion
Should BPAC have an official position on the use of e-bikes on trails? Points considered:
E-bikes are currently prohibited on Forest Service trails
BLM is currently soliciting input on the matter
There are three types of e-bikes based on speed/power; the Forest Service is considering
allowing the slowest type. However:
o How would this be enforced?
o What if people get too far out on a trail via e-bike and need help for injury, mechanical
problems, etc.? It could get problematic.
As with many topics, the devil is in the details; perhaps some trails they are permitted and
some they aren’t (example: paved versus unpaved)? This still leads to same problems as
above, however
Of note: Bend Parks does not allow e-bikes anywhere, nor does the Old Mill.
Currently, BPAC will not have a single position as it is a complex issue, but members should
continue to think about the topic.
Regional Updates
South County:
Wickiup Junction refinement plan is ongoing
Is there a possibility for electronic signage to make motorists aware of bicyclists—possibly
during holidays or other high traffic times? Chris will do a little research but noted the
possibility is greatest with a request for specific dates.
Deschutes County:
Board approved applying for TGM grants totaling $75,000 to 1) Update Tumalo Community
Plan ($50K), including looking at bicycle, sidewalk, and transit aspects and 2) implement
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Deschutes County portions of Sisters Country Action plan regarding equestrian, bicycling,
and hiking trails ($25K) as they relate to the Deschutes County TSP
The County is planning to assist City of La Pine in its $250K TGM grant application regarding
changes to La Pine Comprehensive Plan and development code for the 368 acres the
County owns in the New Neighborhood.
The Board approved adding the US 20/Cook-O.B. Riley and US 20/Old Bend-Redmond Hwy
roundabouts to the County TSP map.
Committee Reports
COIC/CET:
Ridership is beginning to build back up and CET continues to follow OHA guidelines.
Buses remain fareless and Hawthorne Station remains closed except for restrooms.
The new La Pine-Sunriver route started and ridership has been increasing.
They are working with the USFS to plan the Federal Land Access Program, which will go
from Hawthorne Station to Mt. Bachelor, with shuttles to various lake sites. This will begin
in summer 2022 and is a 2-year program.
ODOT:
North Corridor project: currently working north of Cooley. ODOT is working on the
design-build contract for the project and will eventually share that new process with the
group
Commute Options:
The Oregon Friendly Driver Program, a 60-minute virtual game, is being released; BPAC
members will have the opportunity to try it out (details forthcoming)
Bend MPO:
The City of Bend has posted its draft TSP for public review
Data collected from the Franklin undercrossing has showed a 30 percent increase in
cyclists from June 2019 to June 2020, and a 50 percent decrease in pedestrian crossings
during the same time period. Perhaps this is attributable to COVID—different
work/transportation patterns?
Big Chainring Awards (add-on item)
Last year these awards were moved to the summer and presented to the BOCC in the fall.
Consensus was to continue as planned this year. This means the call for nominations would occur
by mid-July, and a vote on the awards would occur in the September meeting for a late
September/early October BOCC meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:30 pm
Next Meeting
Thursday, August 6, 2020 – 12:00 to 1:30 pm
Virtual Meeting