Ridden by Bend Bikes • November 2022
Bend Key Route 8
Score
40/100
TYPE
23% path
34% basic bike lane
8% unbuilt
35% advanced riding
Recommended For
Advanced riders
Intersections
9 unprotected crossings
3 dangerous intersections
Key Route 12 is a north-south route that has important connections to Saint Charles and the Forum shopping center.
Unfortunately about half the route is along busy 27th St and is not recommended at this time.
Legend
The route is color coded to indicate what level of rider is recommended for each section. Green represents multi-use paths, protected infrastructure, or quiet residential streets. Blue is used for bike lanes, shared low-traffic commercial streets, or busier residential. Black represents areas that only the most advanced riders would feel comfortable on: busy streets without bike lanes, very difficult intersections, or Bend’s highest traffic volume areas – namely 3rd, Hwy 20 and Hwy 97. Black can also represent unbuilt sections.
Nearby destinations
- High Desert Middle School
- Sky View Middle School
- Lava Ridge Elementary School
- Ponderosa Elementary School
- Mountain View High School
- High Desert Park
- Rock Ridge Park
- Pine Nursery Park
- The Forum
- Saint Charles Medical Center
As of May 2023, the southernmost portion of this key route does not exist. The current route ends at High Desert Middle School.
City of Bend planned projects
Yeomen extension • TBD
As part of the Petrosa development in NE Bend, Yeomen will be extended, connecting 18th to Hamby. Depending on the type of bike infrastructure built with that road, it might make this key route less safe.
Stevens Ranch development • TBD
The new Stevens Ranch development borders 27th from Reed Market to Ferguson Rd. A multi-use path is planned for the east side of 27th but is not yet complete. Construction should occur soon.
27th St GO Bond project • 2026
Biking improvements are planned along 27th from Reed Market to Hwy 20 as part of the 27th St GO Project. Overall this should result in a huge improvement for this route!
Our suggestions
Route changes
The section through St Charles is confusing and unsafe. The route should either be realigned to stay on Purcell or the new bike infrastructure on 27th should be extended north and connect with the route in the vicinity of NW Courtney Dr.
Most critical improvements
- Hwy 20 & 27th intersection needs to be improved or avoided. It is not safe.
- Improving 27th is critical. It is not at all safe for biking.
- Traffic volumes and speeds are high on Purcell, better infrastructure is needed.