State bike-pedestrian panel seeks member at-large

The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (OBPAC) is currently seeking a new public member at-large to advise ODOT on bicycle and pedestrian issues across the state.

OBPAC invites members of diverse communities to join our committee as we endeavor to best serve Oregonians from all backgrounds who walk, ride and roll for transportation and recreation. The committee also encourages individuals with an interest or background in public health to apply.

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.

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 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. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

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 input on the new Safe Routes to School program, statewide plan implementation, urban design guidance updates, and the department’s intermodal policies.

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

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

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, (503) 986-3555, jessica.horning@odot.state.or.us.