Bend eyes new ways to boost cycling, walking safety
Various ways to make Bend streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians will be on display next week as a “Future Fair” is held in conjunction with the Bend Livability Project and the First Friday Art Walk on June 3.
A demonstration of protected bike lanes as well as an example of the pedestrian median refuges and flashing lights coming to Third Street will be in place in downtown Bend and the nearby Maker’s District on Northeast First Street.
“Despite the close proximity of downtown and the Maker’s District, conditions for walking and biking between them leave much to be desired,” according to the grassroots group BendBikes.org.
During the Future Fair, Bend Bikes and the city of Bend will be showcasing a protected bike lane to connect these districts.
The group said a protected bike lane increases comfort for those who ride a bicycle by providing separation from moving cars. Currently, there are over 275 protected bike lanes in 82 cities and 34 states, including Oregon.
This effort is part of the city’s Safer by Design campaign to make it safer to get around Bend, whether you are driving, walking, or biking.
The protected bike lane being demonstrated will start at Northwest Greenwood Avenue and Bond Street, in front of the Deschutes County Courthouse buildings.
It will then proceed north on Wall Street. Just before Northeast Olney Avenue, riders can take Norton Avenue east and proceed via a back driveway to Olney to continue their short ride to the Maker’s District.
Lucas Freeman, Bend Bikes board president, said, “It will give everyday bicycle commuters the chance to experience what it feels like to be separated from automotive traffic by either cones or parked cars.”
“We’re really excited about where this could lead,” Freeman said. “When you give people a taste of what world-class bicycle facilities feel like, they’ll likely want more.”
Rory Rowan, city of Bend project engineer, said, “Demonstration projects are an exciting way for the city to partner with community members. They allow us to engage the public while quickly and cheaply testing much-needed infrastructure to keep people safe and better connect neighborhoods.”
The city also is planning to design and implement median refuge islands and flashing beaons to help walkers more safely cross Third Street. Officials say those steps can bring an 80 percent jump in the likelihood drivers will stop for pedestrians, also reducing crashes by 50 percent.
The city also will demonstrate the effectiveness of other safety features, such as curb extensions, during the First Friday Art Walk.
About Bend Bikes
Bend Bikes is a grassroots organization in Bend, Oregon working in partnership with citizens, businesses, community groups, government agencies, and elected officials to create a community where people can meet their daily transportation needs by bicycle. For more information about protected bike lanes and this demonstration project during the Future Fair, visit www.BendBikes.org .
