HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-02 - 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
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
MEETING MINUTES
DESCHUTES COUNTY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, November 2, 12:00 to 1:30 pm
DeArmond Room, Deschutes Service Center, 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend
Members Present: David Green, Rachel Zakem, Sabrina Haggerty, Wendy Holzman, Dave Roth,
Matt Muchna, Mark Smith.
Agency/Organization: Tanya Saltzman (Deschutes County), Chuck Arnold (City of Redmond).
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.
Public Comment
Dave Roth thanked everyone on the summit subcommittee for their hard work.
Chuck Arnold, former BPAC member, now works at City of Redmond. Has a question re: ODOT
plan for trails connecting mobile home park along Highway 97. How does TSP discussion of
multiuse trails potentially affect this?
Dave G. explained BPAC’s involvement: Wrote letter of support for funding for those two
projects. Haven’t heard if funding has been received, but it remains in ODOT’s plans.
Separately, the TSP is underway and BPAC recommended community connections, which
included the connection between Bend and Redmond. Dave summarized the public
comments about multi-use path and ways to participate in the BOCC public hearing.
Approval of Prior Minutes
The October 2023 minutes were approved.
Page 2
Committee Business
None this month.
Bike/Ped Summit review – General Discussion
Dave R. noted that he spoke to one person who left early because she said it was too geared to
Sunriver
o Also noted that Forest Service is looking at wilderness area permits again and will
use a previous County study to inform it (after Dave noted the existence of this
report)
Matt: heard good things from Redmond colleagues. They noted that commuter panel was
Bend-centric and focused on experienced cyclists and noted how the panel seemed to portray
bike commuting in Bend as a “war zone.” Attendance seemed low. Overall whole program was
informative and great.
Sabrina: enjoyed it as a newbie; liked the Sunriver part because she wasn’t previously aware of
a lot of what they presented
Rachel: appreciated commuter panel and thought attendance was good
Mark: consider timing maybe; last panel got a little truncated
Dave G. would have liked to have recording of the commuter panel to give to Bend officials;
also would like to encourage participation from other counties
Other thoughts: tour during the middle rather than at end, perhaps?
TSP Update
Dave T. sent a separate note to BPAC concerning the Planning Commission votes on the TSP
Dave Green recommended BPAC submit a letter into the record with recommendations (for
multi-use paths and the community connections). Does BPAC feel the need to change
recommendation? Generally, no. Dave G will organize a group to work on a letter.
Matt noted the Envision Bend vision action plan that notes the importance of community
connections.
Big Chainring Awards
Meeting scheduled for November 16 at 3 pm to discuss strategy and will report back.
External Committee Reports
COACT
Next meeting November 9
Page 3
Lava Butte – La Pine trail planning
Had meeting two days before the summit; everything that was shared at summit in terms of
recommendations are accurate and available online on ODOT website
Baker Road Interchange Area Management Plan
Back burner—can take off agenda for now.
Other Updates
Redmond
Redmond BPAC hasn’t met since our last meeting.
Looking deeper at the bike-ped counts; data is different from previous years—chose different
dates and times
Having conversations with the new community center and potential access
Looking at increasing access through bilingual signage
Deschutes County
Public hearing for the TSP is scheduled before the BOCC for 11/29/23 and will incorporate the
recommendations from the Planning Commission.
COIC/CET
Began Route 9. Will work on Spanish availability.
Working on Mt. Bachelor winter season shuttle pass for $299.
Summer shuttle got grant extended for two more years and they’re buying a 20-bike trailer for
this route
Increased driver wages $4/hour to be competitive with school bus drivers. Still difficult to
recruit and retain.
Matt noted that often the city buses’ bike racks are full. Usually drivers can accommodate a
bike inside but not always a great solution. Derek noted that they are thinking about that, they
do have ability for a rear rack but not well supported by drivers.
Commute Options is managing a vanpool program via STIF funds. Have 24 vans on the road
right now. 100% subsidized. Super popular program.
Other comments:
Derek suggested cross-BPAC pollination to share what’s happening across communities
Page 4
Matt inquired if there has ever been discussion regarding transportation districts to more
sustainably manage transportation in the region. Rachel noted that CET has been discussing
this for a little while; Derek noted that it’s a complex undertaking and the last few have failed,
so they’d want to make sure that they have their ducks in a row before proposing something.
Wanting to get smaller wins first, such as the mobility hubs and other connections; this could
help form the foundation for a future district. Want to make sure there’s clarity with the public
in terms of taxes and new initiatives.
2025 STIF funding might increase.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:28 pm
Next Meeting
Thursday, December 7 – 12:00 to 1:30 pm – via Zoom