Under-21 position open on Oregon bike-pedestrian panel

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, or OBPAC, is seeking a new youth/student member to advise the Oregon Department of Transportation on bicycle and pedestrian issues across the state. All Oregon residents under the age of 21 (at time of appointment to the committee) are eligible to apply. Appointments are non-binding, and appointees may serve a maximum term length of 4 years. Appointees are eligible for per diem reimbursements.

The committee encourages individuals with an interest or background in engineering, disability and accessibility, racial equity and justice, and historically disadvantaged communities to apply.

OBPAC strives to have committee representation that reflects the demographics of people throughout Oregon. OBPAC envisions Oregon as a state in which people of all identities, including age, income, race, and ability, can access destinations in urban and rural areas on comfortable, safe and well-connected active transportation infrastructure.

Applications must be submitted before May 1 to be considered in the first review.

TO APPLY: Complete and submit an Interest Form, available at: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/admin/Pages/How_To_Apply.aspx

As a member of the committee, you help inform policy and investment decisions to implement the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and improve conditions for people walking and biking throughout the state. The committee meets up to six times per year. Meeting locations are primarily in Salem or Portland, with one or two overnight travel meetings hosted in other parts of the state each year. Committee members are reimbursed for travel expenses and paid per diem for meals.

Throughout the year, the committee gathers input from residents, officials and ODOT staff as it considers bicycle and pedestrian transportation-related issues. Upcoming work items include selecting projects for funding through the new Oregon Community Paths grant program and informing decisions related to the Safe Routes to School program, Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan implementation, urban design guidance updates, and more. OBPAC’s work plan and other background materials are available on the committee’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Get-Involved/Pages/OBPAC.aspx.

Background

The Oregon Bicycle Committee was first formed by Oregon Statute 366.112, a bill passed in the 1973 Oregon Legislature. In 1995, the Oregon Transportation Commission officially recognized the committee’s additional role in pedestrian issues, and the group became the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The eight-member committee, appointed by the governor, acts as a liaison between the public and ODOT. It advises ODOT in the regulation of bicycle and pedestrian traffic and the establishment of bikeways and walkways. Members serve four-year terms.

For questions about the appointment process, contact: Kristina Rice-Whitlow, Boards & Commissions manager, kristina.rice-whitlow@oregon.gov, 503-378-6829.

For questions about the committee, contact: Jessica Horning ODOT Pedestrian & Bicycle Program manager, jessica.horning@odot.state.or.us, 503-986-3555.