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Bend proclaims ‘Week Without Driving’; schools and colleges back active‑transport efforts
Summary
City council adopted a proclamation recognizing Sept. 29–Oct. 5, 2025 as the Week Without Driving; Bend‑La Pine Schools, Central Oregon Community College and active‑transport advocates urged residents to walk, bike, carpool and use transit.
The Bend City Council adopted a proclamation recognizing the week of Sept. 29–Oct. 5, 2025 as the Week Without Driving and encouraged residents to walk, bike, roll, carpool or take transit at least one day during the initiative. The proclamation and public remarks emphasized mobility barriers for people who cannot or do not drive and cited schools and colleges as major trip generators.
Speakers and context: Michelle Rhodes, active‑transportation coordinator for Bend‑La Pine Schools, told council the district serves about 17,000 students and that roughly 4,000 students live in the district’s “non‑transportation zone” (ineligible for school bus service because of distance rules). Rhodes said two‑thirds of elementary students who live within the non‑transportation zone are being driven rather than walking or rolling, and she urged residents to be extra watchful on International Walk & Roll to School Day on Oct. 8. Hal Deshaut, representing Central Oregon Community College (COCC), said COCC leadership — including the new college president — would participate in the Week Without Driving and urged improvements to bus frequency and connectivity so transit is a viable option for students juggling work and study. Jim Elliott, a volunteer crossing guard at Bear Creek Elementary, said expanded safe‑routes‑to‑school work and partnerships between the city and school district were increasing the number of children walking and biking to school.
Proclamation and vote: Councilor Platt read the proclamation on behalf of Councilor Ariel Mendez (who participated virtually). Councilor Megan Norris moved to accept the proclamation; Councilor Mike Riley seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: Speakers said improved walking, rolling and transit options reduce congestion and emissions and increase independence for children and other residents who cannot drive; they urged precautions for pedestrian safety and noted October events and challenges, including incomplete sidewalks, seasonal low lighting, snow/ice clearance and gaps in transit service.
