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Home My WebLink About2021-09-02 - 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, September 2, 2021, 12:00 to 1:30 pm Virtual Zoom Meeting Members Present: Dave Thomson, Wendy Holzman, Mason Lacy, Ann Marland, Kenneth Piarulli, Scott Morgan, Neil Baunsgard. Agency/Organization: Tanya Saltzman (Deschutes County – CDD), Chris Cheng (ODOT), Emily Dougan (Commute Options), Jovi Anderson (Bend MPO), Derek Hofbauer (CET), Robin Lewis (City of Bend), Tom Headley (Century West) 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. Approval of Prior Minutes The August 2021 minutes were approved. Public Comment There were no public comments. Committee Business – Dave New member introductions  Dave introduced new members, Emily and Neil (Neil is not yet official as BPAC is waiting for confirmation from the City of Bend)  Neil introduced himself, provided some background on his interests; Emily was not available Committee officer elections  Chair: nomination for Dave Thomson to continue; unanimous vote  Vice Chair: nomination for Chris Cassard to continue; unanimous vote Page 2  Secretary: nomination for Rachel to continue; unanimous vote Bend MPO TAC Presentation - Jovi Anderson Jovi recapped a presentation she recently gave to the Bend MPO TAC:  Bend MPO sent out a press release about public education campaign, asks for all to share this update on transportation safety in Bend and Deschutes County  Bend and Deschutes County both have TSAPs (Transportation Safety Action Plan)  Jovi provided overview of TSAPs: policies, goals, crash data summary, systemic solutions, as well as data  Objectives: safety communication plan and communications calendar; form a regional multidisciplinary safety committee; create a funding strategy with partner organizations  Project Management Team includes Bend and Redmond, ODOT and Deschutes County  Shared crash and fatality data: In 2020, fatalities grew despite generally less driving activity  Shared 4 steps for safer travel: Slow down, drive sober, buckle up, pay attention  Public messaging will address these as well as seasonal info  Looking at Clackamas County for example of good messaging strategies  Online survey (centraloregonsafetravel.org) and a Safe Travel Summit (invites to go out in early September) Century Drive potential rumble strips: discussion and feedback (Chris Cheng, ODOT)  Last month Chris discussed potential FLAP projects for Century Drive, but that was before the recent Century Drive cyclist fatality  New thinking: is a rumble strip something to consider to help the safety situation and to apply for? Usually they are a default on roads in rural areas. How do people feel about using them on a road with high bicycle traffic?  Rumble strips would primarily be in shoulder or along edge line (similar to center line) with bike gaps  Wendy: sometimes cyclists need to enter travel line due to debris. Do rumble strips affect skinny tires (flats, loss of control)? Chris: this is part of the question indeed  Neil: so much depends on how it’s done (how close to the paint, for instance). Adventure Cycling organization does a lot of safety advocacy and might be a resource.  ODOT has standards for applying rumble strips; they’d want to give as much space for cyclists as feasible  Dave: is it possible to partially implement—i.e. only uphill? More risky sometimes going downhill.  If this receives funding, there will be a more robust conversation about the details. Big Chainring Awards 2021  Dave proposes to open up nominations with deadline at end of September, get subcommittee to evaluate and make recommendation in October meeting (see agenda for date details)  As the committee is likely aware, we made a few changes last round with respect to methodology; if interested, please volunteer for subcommittee  Dave will coordinate with Tanya Page 3 TSP Subcommittee Update The consultant team is currently refining the project list, will share interim drafts as they go Next meeting is October 27. External Committee Reports COACT: No update, but Wendy encourages people to join these meetings if they are interested Bend MPO TAC:  Safety update as mentioned above and presented by Jovi  The most recent meeting also had a presentation of the demographics of the MPO and how they’re trying to address shortcomings Bend Transportation Bond Oversight Committee:  Discussed the Bend bikeway project to provide major east-west and north-south connections; formed subcommittee to discuss. o Project overlaps with BPRD and other projects outside of the bond, so recommendations addressed those other initiatives as well  Another fast track project: Purcell extension connecting missing link north of Neff Rd.; the idea is to prioritize this project to coincide with upcoming city construction on that intersection  Committee is prioritizing the full list of the rest of the bond projects; any input is welcome  Another project: Archie Briggs bridge replacement; ODOT is about to release RFP. (Thought: potential for underpass there?) Other Updates Bend  Wilson Ave protected bike lane is moving ahead Sisters  Completed the multi-use path from Pine to Highway 20. Some difficulty with the Hwy 20 crossing and they are looking to develop a possible treatment. ODOT  Crossing at Greenwood and 6th St. should get built this year  Wickiup Junction multiuse path from Wickiup to La Pine is moving along and ODOT is hoping for some amenities such as mile markers, etc.  US 97 Bend-Lava Butte moving forward; ODOT will likely put in a FLAP application for an undercrossing for access to the Arnold Canal  Working on U.S. 20-Sisters FLAP application for planning a connection  Potential scoping for Bend-Redmond path along U.S. 97 but there could be zoning issues. Very preliminary.  McKenzie Pass paving project: slated for 2023 Page 4 Commute Options  Get There Challenge: October 4-17. Gives prizes for commuting via walk and bike. Lots of great prizes—everyone is encouraged to participate!  Adding challenges for walking/biking with students to school  Currently planning on in-person bike education and Safe Routes to School COIC/CET:  Looking to restore the Bend fixed route to regular schedule on September 7  There have been staffing issues, but now they have 5-6 new drivers but are still looking to hire and train more  Grand reopening of Hawthorne Station on September 15, 3-6 p.m. There will be tours and informational tables.  FLAP for Cascade Lakes summer service pilot update: contemplating hitches on the smaller buses to be able to pull into Wanoga, and explore using smaller buses for both loops. A group did a bus tour to explore accessibility to each potential stop via bus. Todd Lake was a no-go; the rest were generally good, though exploring stops at permitted places like Green Lakes and Sisters Mirror Lake (for instance, what happens if you carry a bunch of people without permits and drop them off?) Meeting Adjourned at 1:28 pm Next Meeting Thursday, October 7 – 12:00 to 1:30 pm - Virtual Meeting