Sims recognized by county commission

Last week, the Deschutes County Commission recognized Michele Sims for her five years of service on the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). Having completed two-year and three-year terms in an advisory capacity that included service as the vice-chairperson of the committee, Sims has finally stepped down.

The advisory committee was formed to "promote and encourage safe bicycling and walking as a significant means of transportation in Deschutes County." Its members meet monthly at the Oregon Department of Transportation offices in Bend.

Over the years, Sims and her fellow committee members have worked with county officials and ODOT to develop safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian routes, to evaluate potential bike and foot route projects, and to enhance public awareness of projects, programs, and safety relating to the region's bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

"The function of the committee is to serve in an advisory capacity to the county commission on bicycle and pedestrian issues," said Sims, who is a bicycle commuter, herself. "I was concerned that there was more emphasis on cycling as recreation, not as a primary transportation option. So, when a seat came open, I applied and was accepted.

"Now, Sisters, Bend, Redmond, Sunriver and Deschutes County encourage cycling and walking as transportation. They have all invested in infrastructure that encourages safe walking and cycling. One of my ongoing goals is to see more kids being able to walk and bike to school. I would love to see the Sisters schools bring back the bicycle safety classes offered by Commute Options."

Commute Options is a nonprofit pedestrian and cycling advocacy group that works with BPAC. Among other things, Commute Options sponsors bicycle safety programs at area schools and set up a diversion program for bicycle violators. "When people get busted for cycling violations," she said, "there is a class they can go to now."

Applications have been received for the opening now created by Sims' retirement from the committee. "They try to sift through the applications to get broad representation from the county," Sims said. "They have designated seats for Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and Sunriver, so the organization does not become too Bend-centric. I was an at-large representative. Phyllis Lewis is the current representative for Sisters."

Looking back on her tenure of the past several years, Sims observed that "there have been some pretty important issues that have come up." She particularly enjoyed working with Commute Options.

Other projects that she is proud to have worked on include the North Bend Highway 20 redesign, in which BPAC is active and advocating for more safe pedestrian and bicycle access to the Cascade Village Shopping Center, and also the Tri-County Summit, which BPAC organizes every year, bringing together bike and pedestrian advocates, city and county planners, and parks and recreation groups to share ideas and coordinate efforts.

"It's been a great five years with the committee," she said. "They are a terrific group of people with a wide range of expertise, who invest a lot of their 'spare' time working to ensure that people who choose to walk or bike can have a safe and pleasant experience. I also had the opportunity to work with wonderful folks from law enforcement, park and rec districts, private citizens, the Forest Service, as well as city and county government. It takes a lot of people working together to make things like connected neighborhoods and walkable communities happen."

What are Sims' plans, now that she has elected to step down from her position on the committee? "I hope that I have more time to devote to encouraging walking and biking in the Sisters area. We live in a beautiful place. Why wouldn't we want to spend as much time enjoying the outdoors as possible?"