Bicycle use in Bend is growing, which is great.  Between privately owned and bike-share companies, the number of eBikes in Bend is also seeing a significant increase.  Along with these rising numbers , so are the number of incidents related to poor bike safety and etiquette, with bicyclists failing to follow basic rules of the road and endangering themselves and motorists.

Bend police are concerned about issues arising with underage people on electric bikes, as a little-known state law makes it illegal for anyone under 16 to operate an e-bike or motorized scooter.  I have recently seen 3 very young girls on one ebike, all without helmets, cruising busy streets.  It's just a matter of time folks.

Below are two links:

1. The Oregon Bicyclist Manual with rules and safety tips
2. KTVZ Article reminding parents that kids under 16 cannot legally operate an eBike

Time for a safety refresher?  Time for strong parenting?  Yep.

The City of Bend is proposing amendments to Bend Development Code (BDC) 3.6.500, Short-Term Rentals (PLTEXT20220449). The proposed amendments increase the separation distance between properties zoned RL, RS, RM, RH and MR outside of the Old Mill District Boundary for any new short-term rentals (proposal is to increase from 250’ to 500’) in BDC 3.6.500.E, Concentration Limits, and add an exemption to BDC 3.6.500.K, Abandonment of Use, for a long-term lease of 12 months or greater in compliance with BC 7.16.070, Criteria for Approval of an Operating License and Operating License Renewal. There will also be amendments to the Bend Code (BC).

The following are the Planning Commission and City Council work session and hearing dates:

   Planning Commission Work Session –August 22, 2022

   Planning Commission Hearing – September 12, 2022

These meetings will be conducted in person at 710 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR, 97703 in City Hall Council Chambers and virtually (attendance instructions will be posted on the Planning Commission agenda at https://www.bendoregon.gov/planningcommission).

 

   CC Work Session – September 21, 2022

   CC First Reading – October 5, 2022

   CC Second Reading – October 19, 2022

These meetings will be conducted in person at 710 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR, 97703 and virtually (attendance instructions will be posted on the Council agenda at www.bendoregon.gov/councilagenda prior to the hearing).