Here’s why we support passing Bend’s Transportation Bond
The Central Oregon Conservation Network – a group of 12 environmental advocacy organizations that work in our region – recently decided to support a GO Bond that will be on the ballot in November because it will diversify Bend’s transportation network.
After identifying transportation needs through the Transportation System Planning process, the City of Bend selected a mix of projects that need funding over the next ten years. The City hopes to raise the funds with a $190 million General Obligation (GO) bond measure, which will be added to the November 3, 2020 General Election ballot.
We have been closely tracking the Transportation System Planning process and advocating along the way for an improved transportation network that expands quality of life for all Bend residents. This is important because transportation is intricately linked with land use - the way we design our transportation system will impact how Bend develops for decades to come. We need transportation infrastructure that allows people to get around safely on foot, bike, and bus in order to achieve our vision for livable, walkable, sustainable growth in Bend that prevents suburban sprawl.
Thanks to input from you and many others, the proposed Transportation Bond would be the biggest investment in biking, walking, and transit infrastructure the City of Bend has ever made.
For years, people without good access to a car, or who choose not to drive, have been an afterthought in Bend’s public space. Tragically we are reminded of this too often when a pedestrian or cyclist is struck while using a transportation system designed primarily for cars. Statistics also show that the current car-focused transportation system disproportionately impacts our neighbors who are low-income and/or people of color. Now is the time to change that.
Highlight Projects that the Transportation Bond will pay for include:
A connected, crosstown network of safe key routes for people walking and biking.
Midtown crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians at Greenwood Ave, Hawthorne Ave, and/or Franklin Ave.
Funding to support an expanded CET transit network.
Funding for street safety projects that connect neighborhoods with parks, schools, and businesses.
Safety improvements to many intersections.
“Complete street” upgrades to many corridors that will add safe sidewalks and bike lanes.
The Transportation Bond presents a never before seen opportunity for Bend to provide safe, convenient, and accessible options for people to get around town using alternatives to driving a car. That is why we support the passage of this bond.