Multi-use paths
Bend has many popular multi-use paths around town. Many of these were built as trails by Bend Park & Recreation.
Multi-use paths are asphalt and can be used by walkers, bikers, strollers, dogs, skateboards – pretty much anything that isn’t a motorized vehicle. They often parallel roads and take the place of a sidewalk.
Paths are not one-way; bikes can go in both directions regardless of what side of the street the path is on. Very rarely there will be a painted line in the middle of the path and bikes should stay to the right of that line.
Community Feedback
Things to love
- Paths feel very safe because they are separated from cars by curbs and/or landscaping.
- They usually don’t fill up with gravel in the winter because the vehicle lanes are far away.
- Some paths are plowed in the winter.
- Wide and safe enough for trailers.
- The surface is smooth.
Improvement areas
- If a path is too popular, it can be hard for bikes to pass people walking.
- Some paths are circuitous and add extra length to biking trips.
- Increased conflicts because users travel in both directions.
