City of Bend survey finds overwhelming ‘hate’ for Greenwood Avenue ‘road diet,’ despite massive increase in cyclists, pedestrians

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A year-old pilot program to reduce traffic speeds, improve safety, and encourage walking and cycling has sparked sharp division in the city of Bend.

The program converted a four-lane roadway into two lanes as part of a "road diet" designed to curb crashes and make the corridor safer for pedestrians and cyclists. But a recent survey of nearly 2,000 residents shows the changes have been overwhelmingly unpopular with drivers.

According to the results, 80 percent of respondents said they “hated” the new design. Only 10 percent described the changes as “great” or “good.” The most common complaints centered on increased congestion and limited parking along the corridor.

Despite the pushback, city officials say the redesign has already produced measurable safety improvements. Data shows that vehicle speeds have dropped by as much as five miles per hour.

At the same time, the number of people walking and biking through the area has surged. In some stretches, cycling activity rose nearly 300 percent, and pedestrian traffic increased 150 percent.

Supporters of the project argue that those shifts are proof that the changes are working, but critics counter that the majority of people relying on the corridor still use cars, and they feel the pilot unfairly burdens drivers.

The city council has not made a final decision on the program’s future and is holding off on permanent changes, for now. Officials say they will continue gathering feedback and data before determining the next steps.