Deschutes County seeks Safe Sidewalk Award nominees

The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is seeking nominations of businesses that make the extra effort to keep their sidewalks safe by clearing debris and hazards.

The Safe Sidewalk Awards will be presented during a Deschutes County Board of Commissioners business meeting this spring. Business and property winners will receive a certificate from Deschutes County and acknowledgment from their area Chamber of Commerce.

Along with the snow and ice of winter, there are many other sidewalk hazards that are present year-round that need attention. These include such things as low-hanging vegetation, irrigation overspray, and deteriorating sidewalks. All of these conditions can create challenging and often dangerous conditions on sidewalks.

BPAC would like to remind County business and property owners of their responsibility to maintain clear sidewalks. Many people are not aware of the particular codes set forth that ensure public safety and its relationship to sidewalks.

While the language of the ordinances varies a bit from city to city, the message is the same – business or property owners must clear ice or snow from the sidewalk adjoining their property within six hours of daylight and year-round maintenance to ensure a pathway clear of vegetation and other hazards that encroach into the pedestrian way.

These codes not only help make sidewalks safer, but in commercial areas they encourage good business practices. When pathways are clear, the message to customers is that the business cares about safety and welcomes access for all to the front door.

BPAC wants to acknowledge people who are doing an outstanding job of keeping pathways clear. Last year, the following businesses were recognized: In Bend – Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District, Cedarwest Apartments, City of Bend Downtown Campus, Deschutes County Property and Facilities, McMenamins Old St. Francis School, ODOT Region 4 District 10, Selco Credit Union (Old Mill Branch), Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill, Sterling Bank (Windy Knolls Branch) Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village, Umpqua Bank (Downtown Branch), and US Bank (NE 3 rd Street and Olney Branch); In Sisters – Bronco Billy’s, Leavitt’s Western Wear and Rancho Viejo Mexican Bar and Grill

The BPAC is an advisory committee of the Deschutes County Commission and seeks to improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Deschutes County.

Nominations can be sent to: Deschutes County Planner, Matthew Martin (Matt.Martin@deschutes.org). Deadline to nominate is March 1, 2015. For more information about this award or BPAC, please visit: www.deschutes.org/BPAC .