In Central Oregon, we’ve got more than planes, trains and automobiles. The Bend version of transportation also includes paddle board, floating tube, cycle pub or a full-suspension mountain bike. The City of Bend has invested in the blueprints and upgrades to make its roads, trails and rivers safer than ever. When you’re car-free, the journey to a destination is part of the fun. So ditch those car keys and embrace the adventurous side of Bend, Oregon. [Illustration by Davi Augusto, inspired by Joe Kline Photography]

Party on Wheels: Group Rides That Roll

Make getting around Bend a celebration. Bend has options for exploring with friends or family where athleticism isn’t a factor, but enthusiasm gets extra points.

Cruizzy offers rides in its fleet of new electric Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs). Envision a golf cart as an urban explorer. The open-air vehicles comfortably seat up to five passengers (and can form a “Cruizzy caravan” for larger groups). They are perfect for zipping you to dinner or socializing between hotspots like downtown, the Box Factory, and the Old Mill District. They run daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and you can pre-book your ride for curated tours to scenic overlooks or breweries. Text them to check availability for on-demand service. Cruizzy drivers can even provide a cooler and ice to be the ultimate designated driver. 

The original Bend Cycle Pub is the stuff legends, or bachelorette parties, are made of. Gather your besties and matching tee-shirts then hop on its Big Bike for up to 14 riders with 10 pedal seats. A Small Bike seats 4 to 6 and either way, you’ll pedal your way through Bend. This rolling social club comes complete with cup holders, overhead storage, and a sound system. Professional bike pilots guide you to 3 to 4 stops at local breweries, wine bars, or ice cream shops on a 2-hour tour. There’s even an electric Tuk Tuk for those who prefer not to pedal.

For a more relaxed pace starting in the Old Mill District, Wheel Fun Rentals is an amusement park ride on wheels. Cruise along the river trail next to the Deschutes River on an eight-person surrey. Rent a single or double option, pet trailers or classic cruiser bikes. Drivers of surreys and four-person deuce coupes must be 16 or older or accompanied by an adult.

Rental Bikes in Central Oregon

Bike Sharing in Bend

Embrace two-wheeled transportation. The City of Bend rolled out its permanent city bike share program in July 2025. Look for an aqua pop of color on brand-new electric bikes by Veo. There are 300 e-bikes scattered throughout town, and hopping on a bike and taking a ride is easy. Simply download the Veo app, find an available e-bike, and unlock it. For a fee, take a rental bike for your morning commute, to connect with a bus, or to explore Bend with no more parking woes.

Rent a Bike from Bend Bike Shops

Bend is a mecca for mountain biking and gravel biking. Take your choice of trails with a first stop at Bend bike shops that offer expert service, advice, and fleets of wheels:

• Pedego Bend (25 NW Minnesota Ave.): Find electric bikes to rent by the hour or day. Take a trial lap before you select a bike and get route recommendations, ensuring you’re comfortable before you hit the road. 
• WebCyclery (157 NW Franklin Ave.): This bike shop is based in an old stone church, as evidenced by a wall of stained glass. While the space undergoes renovation after a fire in 2025, it still offers a selection of gravel and mountain bike demos from its satellite spot in the parking lot and repairs from its expert staff. Watch for updates on this local favorite here. 157 NW Franklin Ave.
• Hutch’s Bicycles (820 NE 3rd St.): A long-standing staple since 1981, Hutch’s offers full-suspension and electric mountain bikes, gravel, fat tire and kids bikes for rent. 
• Pine Mountain Sports (255 Southwest Century Drive): Positioned near the Deschutes National Forest, it has a large selection of Trek and Santa Cruz bicycles. The team has a big heart for local nonprofits and gives back to the community with its ambassador program.

A Guide to Bus Adventures in Bend

Central Oregon’s public transportation system, Cascades East Transit (CET), makes it easy to explore Bend’s neighborhoods, breweries, parks, and outdoor gems. While CET has offered free rides since 2020, watch for the implementation of fares while still being far less than the cost of gas or parking tickets. 

Hit Bend’s Hotspots by Bus

CET’s fixed routes offer direct access to some of the city’s favorite areas:

• Route 11 (Galveston Ave./14th): Cruise through one of Bend’s most popular corridors, packed with breweries, restaurants, and shops. Galveston Avenue is a favorite for foodies and craft beer lovers alike.
• Route 3 (Newport Ave.): This westside street is lined with cafes, restaurants, and the incomparable locally owned Newport Market. This route also provides easy access to Drake Park and Bend’s historic neighborhoods.
• Route 7 (Greenwood Ave.): A main east-west corridor links riders to shopping at the Forum Shopping Center, dining, and transit-friendly areas with ongoing improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Route 8 (Northeast Bend): This pilot program starting in July 2025 connects downtown to northeast schools, Pine Nursery Park, and the Cascade Village Shopping Center.

Seasonal Shuttles for Outdoor Fun

After errands are complete, take one of CET’s seasonal shuttles to get outside, without the hassle of driving or parking:

• Lava Butte Shuttle (Route 19): From mid-June through Labor Day (plus Memorial Day weekend), take this $5 round-trip shuttle to the summit of Lava Butte. Enjoy panoramic Cascade Range views without worrying about crowded trailhead lots.
• Mt. Bachelor Ski Bus (Route 18): In winter, this shuttle whisks you straight to the slopes seven days a week. No need to brave icy roads, just grab your gear and ride for $7, or $12 round trip.
• Ride the River Shuttle (Route 17): For a $5 day pass, this summer shuttle connects the Park & Float station to Riverbend Park, making tubing a breeze.
  

  

Float or Paddle from Riverbend Park to Downtown Bend

The Deschutes River is picturesque, but also a vital north-flowing river and a landmark (or watermark) through Bend. As you move the two miles from upriver at Riverbend Park to Drake Park in the center of town, catch a view of the river’s wildlife: osprey, geese, river otters and the occasional bald eagle or beaver.

Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe’s Park & Float 

Rent a bright orange tube up to 24 hours in advance from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Park at Simpson Avenue and Bradbury Way across from The Pavilion. Then catch its Park & Float shuttle to Riverbend Park, where you’ll get fitted for a personal flotation device (PFD), which is required for kids 12 and under and highly recommended for everyone else. Depending on the current and wind direction, the two-mile float takes 1.5-2 hours to Drake Park. A shuttle at the take-out point takes you back to where you started.

At Bend Kayak School, find SUP and kayak rentals to pick up at Pageant or Drake parks or have one delivered to your front door. It provides paddles, PFDs, and even car straps if you plan to transport the gear yourself for a longer adventure on an alpine lake.

Local Tip: Remember the Deschutes River is a natural resource. Keep an eye out for currents and swift sections. At the Bend Whitewater Park, you’ll float through small rapids near the fish ladder while experts surf the nearby waves, but if it looks too bumpy, there’s a convenient walk-around route on the river-left side to the family-friendly McKay Park. 

Walk on Foot Along the Deschutes River Trail

Getting around Bend takes only two feet and a sense of wanderlust. The Deschutes River Trail is a walking wonderland as the route meanders right through the heart of downtown. While the 12-mile trail offers segments to hike or bike, these two segments take you to and from town.

• Old Mill District to Drake Park: This paved section is a flat, scenic stroll, with plenty of opportunities to pop into shops or grab a bite to eat at restaurants in the Old Mill District. 
• Downtown Bend to North of Pioneer Park: If you’re seeking a bit more solitude and rugged natural beauty, head north from downtown Bend. Follow the new walkway below downtown’s shops and restaurants to Pioneer Park. From there, the trail gets a bit wilder and crosses the bridge at First Street Rapids Park. Then, it transforms into dirt paths that wind through more natural landscapes.

More Options, More Freedom!

There’s no need for a car when Bend is on a roll toward a more connected and sustainable future. Watch the City of Bend and nonprofit Commute Options efforts for a more pedestrian and bike-friendly community.