Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
The mission of Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee (BPAC) is to promote and encourage safe bicycling and walking as a significant means of transportation in Deschutes County. Its goals, which were revised in 2022, include:
- Engage in ongoing conversations about e-bike rules and use
- Participate in planning transportation infrastructure projects
- Community outreach
- Support any efforts to develop bike share programs in the county or any of the county's cities
Committee work presently includes the review of bicycle and pedestrian project prioritization in the County Transportation System Plan.
The Committee serves to advise Deschutes County, the Cities of Bend, Redmond and Sisters, and ODOT in bicycle and pedestrian transportation, and matters pertaining to existing and proposed road construction and signing. The Committee is a source of current information relating to the use of bicycle and walking as a means of transportation and strives to support them as a viable means of transportation in Deschutes County.
Resources
- BPAC Bicycle & Pedestrian Resource Guide
- BPAC Deschutes County Bicycle Parking Guide
- Central Oregon Bike Route Maps
Membership
BPAC is currently recruiting for a member from La Pine. Recruitment will remain open until filled.
Click here to learn more and to apply
Members are comprised of individuals whose primary residence is in Deschutes County and who specify an interest in the stated goals and bylaws of the Committee. Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and serve a term of three years.
| Dave Thomson Position: Chair, At Large Term expires 6/30/2024 |
David Green Position: Vice Chair Term expires 6/30/2026 |
Rachel Zakem Position: Secretary, At Large Term expires 6/30/2026 |
| Neil Baunsgard Position: Member, Bend area Term expires 6/30/2024 |
Mark Smith Position: Member, At Large Term expires 6/30/2024 |
Jennifer Letz Position: Member, Sisters area Term expires 6/30/2026 |
| David Roth Position: Member, Bend area Term expires 6/30/2026 |
Wendy Holzman Position: Member, At Large Term expires 6/30/2026 |
Vacant Position: Member, La Pine area Term expires 6/30/2026 |
| Matt Muchna Position: Member, Redmond area Term expires 6/30/2026 |
Mason Lacy Position: Member, At Large Term expires 6/30/2026 |
Chris Cassard Position: Member, At Large Term expires 6/30/2024 |
|
Sabrina Haggerty |
Meetings
Meetings are generally held on the 1st Thursday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and are currently alternating between in-person and being conducted via Zoom. Meeting times and location can vary so please contact the staff liaison at bpac@deschutes.org.
Awards & Recognition
The Big Chainring Award
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee recognizes individuals, businesses, and public agencies that significantly support bicycling and pedestrian in Central Oregon. Since 1996, the annual Big Chainring Award has recognized individuals, businesses, and public agencies that make important contributions toward improving bicycling and walking conditions, encouraging children or adults to walk and ride their bikes, and making Deschutes County communities healthier and happier.
Peter Hanson Memorial Award
In 2006, the Peter Hanson Memorial Award was introduced to honor those that have excelled in bicycle and pedestrian volunteering efforts. Peter was a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee member who lost his battle with cancer in 2005.
Safe Sidewalks Campaign - Nominations closed as of March 27, 2024
Since 2006, the annual Safe Sidewalks Campaign has recognized businesses, property owners, and individuals that have made an extra effort keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and ice in the winter. In 2011, the award began to include and recognize year-round maintenance of sidewalks. Along with the snow and ice of winter, there are many other hazards that are present year-round that need attention. Many people are unaware that in cities in Deschutes County, businesses are required by code to clear ice or snow from the sidewalk adjoining their property within six hours of daylight; residential properties must do so within 24 hours. They are also required to maintain year-round pathways, keeping them clear of vegetation and other hazards that may encroach into the pedestrian's pathway. The Safe Sidewalks Campaign is BPAC's way of reminding county businesses, property owners, and individuals of their responsibility to maintain clear sidewalks. These codes not only help make sidewalks safer but encourage the good business practice of making it easier for a customer to arrive at their doors.
Please submit Safe Sidewalks nominations by filling out and submitting the Nomination Form by March 27, 2024
Contact
To report debris, potholes or a problem with a bike facility in the unincorporated areas of the County please call the Deschutes County Road Department at (541) 388-6581 or send an email to: roaddept@deschutes.org
To report problems with other roads, please contact the appropriate agency listed below:
| Agency | Phone Number |
| State of Oregon (ODOT) | (541) 383-0121 |
| City of Bend | (541) 388-5540 |
| City of Redmond | (541) 504-2000 |
| City of Sisters | (541) 549-6022 |
| City of La Pine | (541) 536-1432 |
Otherwise, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee can be reached at bpac@deschutes.org.
