Transportation News
“Stop as Yield” rule change for cyclists starts Jan. 1, 2020
On January 1, 2020, new rules go into effect in Oregon that will allow people riding bicycles to yield at stop signs or flashing red beacons instead of stopping completely, under certain conditions. People riding bicycles must still completely stop at a solid red traffic signal.
The new rules were created in part due to the physical effort required to stop and start a bicycle. Oregon, Idaho, Delaware and Arkansas have enacted laws recognizing this difference and specifying the conditions under which a cyclist may slow and yield instead of coming to a complete stop.
The new Oregon law requires that people riding bicycles approaching a stop sign or flashing red light slow to a reasonable speed, yield to anyone already in the intersection, and not approach others in the intersection so closely it would create a hazard. People riding bicycles must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, make every effort to avoid an accident, and follow the directions of a police officer or flagger.
The full details of the new law are found in Oregon Senate Bill 998 enacted this past August. This updates Oregon Revised Statute 811.260 and 811.265. Violations to the rule are considered improper entry to an intersection - a Class D traffic violation subject with fines of $115, or $225 if in a work zone or school zone.
Neighborhood Streets Safety Program - The Neighborhood Leadership Alliance (NLA) will be prioritizing the projects submitted from each Neighborhood Association for funding consideration at its Jan. 14th meeting. You can look at all the project applications here. The projects submitted from MVNA are shown on pages 34-42.
City Update on Winter Road Conditions - Remember that it is the responsibility of the home owner to clear the sidewalks around your home. Residents have 24 hours to accomplish this and businesses must do this within 6 daylight hours.
Want to have input into the ODOT plan for the Bend Parkway?
OPEN HOUSE: The Future of Bend’s Parkway
Old Bend and River West Neighborhood Associations are partnering with the Downtown Bend Business Association and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to host an open house on proposed changes to the Parkway between Revere and Colorado. While this is not a City project, we feel it’s important to promote the joint effort led by fellow Bend Neighborhood Associations.
This open house will be held on Monday, January 20, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. at At Liberty Arts Collaborative, 849 NW Wall St, Bend. No RSVP required.
ODOT will be providing a short presentation on the changes below (with time for questions and comments afterwards):
- Closures of right in/right out Parkway access (Lafayette and Hawthorne Exits).
- Central Core (downtown and neighborhoods) circulation and access.
- Parkway interchanges and crossings at Revere, Olney, Greenwood, Hawthorne, Franklin and Colorado.
- Potential impacts on downtown and adjacent neighborhoods.
- Funding for changes.
OPEN HOUSE: The Future of Bend’s Parkway
Old Bend and River West Neighborhood Associations are partnering with the Downtown Bend Business Association and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to host an open house on proposed changes to the Parkway between Revere and Colorado. While this is not a City project, we feel it’s important to promote the joint effort led by fellow Bend Neighborhood Associations.
This open house will be held on Monday, January 20, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. at At Liberty Arts Collaborative, 849 NW Wall St, Bend. No RSVP required.
ODOT will be providing a short presentation on the changes below (with time for questions and comments afterwards):
- Closures of right in/right out Parkway access (Lafayette and Hawthorne Exits).
- Central Core (downtown and neighborhoods) circulation and access.
- Parkway interchanges and crossings at Revere, Olney, Greenwood, Hawthorne, Franklin and Colorado.
- Potential impacts on downtown and adjacent neighborhoods.
- Funding for changes.
Empire Extension Update
Marcum and Sons Pour Concrete for Empire Avenue Crossing Structure
NE Purcell Bridge to be Closed Down From Mid-February - May 29th. More details to Come!
These meetings/event locations are accessible. Sign language interpreter service, assistive listening devices, materials in alternate format such as braille, large print, electronic formats and CD Formats, or any other accommodations are available upon advance request. To obtain this information, please contact: Sinclair Burr, PE at sburr@bendoregon.gov or 541-200-6939; Relay Users Dial 7-1-1, and 541-385-6676. Providing, at least, 3 days’ notice prior to an event will help ensure availability.
Construction activities are scheduled to continue throughout the winter months. As always, construction is dependent on weather conditions and other factors.
Please be aware of icy conditions on the roadways and bridges.
Please visit: www.bendoregon.gov/empire
For more information: Linda Swearingen at 541-350-6012 or lllswear@aol.com Please visit: www.bendoregon.gov/empire
Marcum and Sons Pour Concrete for Empire Avenue Crossing Structure
- Please stay out of construction area for your safety and the safety of work crews
- Construction area is under 24-Hour Video Surveillance
NE Purcell Bridge to be Closed Down From Mid-February - May 29th. More details to Come!
- Come and meet Empire Corridor Improvements Project Team Members at the following informational Neighborhood Association Meetings and Open House. See new construction exhibits and ask questions about construction timeline, detours and upcoming road closures.
- Boyd Acres Neighborhood Association Meeting
- Thursday, February 13th at 6:00 p.m.
- Elks Lodge at 63120 Boyd Acres Road
- Empire Corridor Improvements Open House
- Monday, February 17th from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
- Trinity Lutheran Church Gym
- 2550 NE Butler Market Road
- Mt. View Neighborhood Association Meeting
- Monday, February 24th at 6:00 p.m.
- Higher Ground Common House
- 2558 NE Daggett Lane
- Boyd Acres Neighborhood Association Meeting
These meetings/event locations are accessible. Sign language interpreter service, assistive listening devices, materials in alternate format such as braille, large print, electronic formats and CD Formats, or any other accommodations are available upon advance request. To obtain this information, please contact: Sinclair Burr, PE at sburr@bendoregon.gov or 541-200-6939; Relay Users Dial 7-1-1, and 541-385-6676. Providing, at least, 3 days’ notice prior to an event will help ensure availability.
Construction activities are scheduled to continue throughout the winter months. As always, construction is dependent on weather conditions and other factors.
Please be aware of icy conditions on the roadways and bridges.
Please visit: www.bendoregon.gov/empire
For more information: Linda Swearingen at 541-350-6012 or lllswear@aol.com Please visit: www.bendoregon.gov/empire
City Wide Transportation Advisory Committee - Here is the link to the CTAC/City of Bend website
The Citywide Transportation Advisory Committee is charged with providing recommendations related to updates of the Transportation System Plan (TSP) and Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The committee will also provide policy recommendations to the City Council on a variety of transportation-related policies and funding strategies to support the Council Goal for transportation: “Move people and products around Bend efficiently, safety and reliably.” All meetings are open to the public, with an opportunity for public comment. Here are upcoming meetings:·
NEXT CTAC MEETING LOCATION/DATE/TIME - TBA
- Steering Committee Meeting on January 22nd, 1:00-4:30 pm, at City Council chambers, 710 NW Wall Street.
The City of Bend has released its Phase One Transportation Report which can be reviewed online.
