Friday, June 3, the Bend Livability Project will host the Future Fair in conjunction with more than a dozen partners at the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Bend and the nearby Maker’s District on NE First Street.
Despite the close proximity of downtown and the Maker’s District, conditions for walking and biking between them leave much to be desired. During the Future Fair, Bend Bikes and the City of Bend will be showcasing a protected bike lane to connect these districts. A protected bike lane increases comfort for those who ride a bicycle by providing separation from moving cars. There are over 275 protected bike lanes in 82 cities and 34 states including Oregon.
This effort is part of the City’s Safer by Design campaign to make it safer to get around Bend, whether you are driving, walking, or biking. The protected bike lane being demonstrated will start at NW Greenwood Avenue and NW Bond Street in front of the Deschutes County District Courthouse buildings. It will then proceed north on NW Wall Street. Just before NE Olney Avenue, riders can take Norton Avenue east and proceed via a back driveway to Olney to continue their short ride to the Maker’s District.
Lucas Freeman, Bend Bikes board president, says, “It will give everyday bicycle commuters the chance to experience what it feels like to be separated from automotive traffic by either cones or parked cars. We’re really excited about where this could lead. When you give people a taste of what world-class bicycle facilities feel like, they’ll likely want more.”
Rory Rowan, City of Bend project engineer, says, “Demonstration projects are an exciting way for the city to partner with community members. They allow us to engage the public while quickly and cheaply testing much needed infrastructure to keep people safe and better connect neighborhoods.”
About Bend Bikes
Bend Bikes is a grassroots organization in Bend, Oregon working in partnership with citizens, businesses, community groups, government agencies, and elected officials to create a community where people can meet their daily transportation needs by bicycle. For more information about protected bike lanes and this demonstration project during the Future Fair, visit www.BendBikes.org.
