SALEM – The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is seeking two new members. The committee was first formed by Oregon Statute 366.112, a bill passed in the 1973 Oregon Legislature. In 1995, the Oregon Transportation Commission officially recognized the committee’s additional role in pedestrian issues, and the group became the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, or OBPAC.

The eight-member committee, appointed by the governor, acts as a liaison between the public and ODOT. It advises ODOT in the regulation of bicycle and pedestrian traffic and the establishment of bikeways and walkways. Members serve four-year terms. OBPAC is seeking applicants for the following membership categories:

  • One member under the age of 21 at the time of appointment.
  • One member at large.

The committee meets up to six times per year, with several of those meetings in locations outside of the Salem area. Throughout the year, the committee gathers input from residents, officials and ODOT staff as it considers bicycle and pedestrian transportation-related issues. Travel expenses are reimbursed. Upcoming work items include implementation of the new Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Modal Plan, ConnectOregon VI grant application review, and input on the department’s new intermodal policies. .

For questions about the appointment process or to submit your information for consideration, contact Judge Kemp, Boards and Commissions manager, (503) 378-2317, Judge.kemp@oregon.gov. For questions about the committee, contact Sheila Lyons, ODOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Program manager, (503) 986-3555, sheila.a.lyons@odot.state.or.us.