Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The city of Bend said Tuesday it is enhancing its Neighborhood Greenways network to provide opportunities for people in Bend to get outside and exercise by walking and biking in neighborhoods while maintaining the physical distance required to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A statewide order to “Stay Home, Save Lives” has limited outdoor recreation and fitness opportunities. Nicer weather is contributing to a concentration of people on trails and in locations that remain open. The city encourages the community to spend time closer to home walking and bicycling on neighborhood streets.

The city is establishing temporary street restrictions to through traffic to create “Stay Healthy” streets. On Tuesday and Wednesday, crews will be installing temporary traffic control signs to reduce traffic speed and volume on certain streets within neighborhoods. The routes provide a place to get outside and to connect to trails, parks and natural areas.

“The city is asking drivers to be extremely aware of more people walking and bicycling on all city streets, but particularly on Neighborhood Greenways,” said Transportation & Mobility Director David Abbas. The city is seeking voluntary compliance from drivers to help create safe and comfortable routes for families to use.

Areas chosen already have low traffic volumes and slower speeds. Routes include:

NW 15 th Street

Street NE 6 th Street

Street SE Roosevelt Avenue

SE Centennial Street and Paiute Way

NW Hartford Avenue

See maps and get more information at www.bendoregon.gov/stayhealthystreets.

Local traffic will be allowed on the routes and adjacent homeowners can still park on streets by their homes. Existing accesses will be maintained.

“I’m hearing from families who want to get outside with their families safely. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise which can help with physical and mental health during this difficult time. Stay at least six feet apart from others who aren’t in your household and wear a mask when you go out in public,” said City Councilor Gena Goodman-Campbell.

“We hope everyone will take advantage of exploring their neighborhoods and finding new routes to connect to our urban trail network.”