Bend is starting to think about bikes as transportation | Photo © Lucas Freeman
At last night’s City Council general meeting besides a vote on water filtration, the group was treated to something Councilor Victor Chudowsky said they didn’t often hear when projects were completed: thank yous.
Nine different members of Bend Bikes signed up for and were able to speak to the assembled group for three minutes about the recently completed Riverside/Franklin Safety Improvement Project, as well as their personal experiences cycle commuting in Bend. While they voiced a desire for the city to continue to apply the road users safety improvements newly minted on Riverside and Franklin throughout the city, they also, to a person expressed, gratitude for the project’s road safety features which include: a corner island, rumble strips and green paint treatment along some bike lanes, buffered bike lanes and floating parking. Brian Potwin of Commute Options was also there to voice his thanks of the project.
Positive feedback
Since last night’s meeting, we’ve heard from not only a City Councilor but also city staff that taking the time to stand up and say thanks meant a lot to them.
“For me, on both fronts, as an engineer for the city and as an avid bicyclist I was really moved and happy that you all felt it worth coming and speaking up for what was done out there.”
– Heidi Lansdowne, City of Bend Project Manager
“Thank you for having such a great showing at Council. I know some are more comfortable crushing it on a race course than addressing elected officials. I applaud the poise with which everyone spoke.”
– Jodie Barram, Mayor Pro Tem
The Source Weekly reported:
“In other City Council news, nine members of the cycling organization Bend Bikes stepped up to the podium to thank the city for improving bike lanes and other infrastructure as part of the Riverside/Franklin project, and urged the council to continue to expand these efforts.
Scott Ferguson, a former fair-weather cyclist who challenged himself last summer to spend a year getting around by bike, expressed his gratitude for the city’s efforts.
‘I’ve come to really appreciate the kinds of things Bend has been doing in this community,’ he said. ‘I hope Council will continue to support these kinds of projects.'”
A hearty thanks goes out to those who spoke last night in support of better bicycle infrastructure in Bend. They were Scott Ferguson, Joe Katroscik, Sterling McCord, Alice Drobna, Ross Winsor, Ben Lewis, Eric Hammer, Lucas Freeman, and Pam Hardy.
If you missed the chance to speak, but would like to, there will be more opportunities. On November 18th, the Bend Planning Commission is set to hear public testimony about the US 97N Corridor Project. Stay tuned for more details including highlights of the statement we’ll make there.
Bend Planning Commission Meeting
US 97N Corridor Project
November 18th, Bend City Hall, 5:30pm
Photo © Lucas Freeman