Keizer traffic, bikeways and pedestrian committee highlights speeding complaints and plans for spring helmet events

The Keizer Traffic, Bikeways and Pedestrian Committee reported officer elections and several neighborhood traffic concerns to the City Council on Feb. 3, and said it plans helmet fittings and bike-skill events in spring.

Committee member Harris Stankster told the council the committee elected Michael DeBlasio as chair and tentatively Brenda Lam as vice chair at their first meeting of 2025. Residents Lisa and Robert Baker raised speeding concerns from the Verdelane roundabout to Lochhaven; the committee said it will add that concern to its project list and coordinate with police and public works for possible studies.

A speed study requested by Park Meadow was underway at the time of the committee meeting, Stankster said; results will be shared at the committee’s next meeting. The committee also expects to discuss neighborhood concerns—especially Windsor Island and Lochhaven—about speeding and reported street racing at its February meeting.

Stankster said helmet fitting events and a bike skills program are typically spring activities; the committee is planning possible events at Weddell Elementary in partnership with the fire department and Salem Health, but noted helmet funding is limited and it is seeking community or business donations to expand availability.

Councilors asked whether helmet fittings could be scheduled sooner; Stankster said a small number of helmets are available now and the committee can accommodate requests, but a larger distribution and skills programming occur in spring.

The committee said it will maintain a running project list to track issues and jurisdictions—city, Polk County, ODOT or transit district—so public works and law enforcement can be engaged where appropriate.