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

Membership

BPAC is 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.

BPAC is currently recruiting for an at-large member. Visit the link below for more information. Recruitment closes November 1, 2024 at 8:00 am.

BPAC at-large volunteer recruitment

Vacant Position: At Large Term expires 6/30/2027	David Green Position: Vice Chair Term expires 6/30/2026	Rachel Zakem Position: At Large Term expires 6/30/2026
Neil Baunsgard Position: Member, Bend area Term expires 6/30/2027	Mark Smith Position: Member, At Large Term expires 6/30/2027	Jennifer Letz Position: Chair, 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	Anthony Accinelli Position: Member, La Pine area Term expires 6/30/2027
Matt Muchna Position: Member, At Large Term expires 6/30/2027	Mason Lacy Position: Member, At Large Term expires 6/30/2026	Vacant Position: Member, Redmond area Term expires 6/30/2027
Sabrina Haggerty Position: Secretary, At Large Term expires 6/30/2027

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

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.

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) 317-3000
City of Redmond	(541) 504-2000
City of Sisters	(541) 549-6022
City of La Pine	(541) 536-1432