InMotion is a monthly e-newsletter designed to help community members in Eugene with some heart-healthy transportation options and with creating a community where biking, walking, and sharing the ride (carpool or bus) are easy and enjoyable!

In this issue:

FEATURED ARTICLES

Citizens Seek Input on Collaborative Solutions For West Eugene

LTD Service Reduction Proposal – Public Involvement

AREA EVENTS

National Walk + Bike to School Day

Eugene’s First Prevention Convention

Bicycle Commuter Skills Class – Free

Tune Up with BikeLane Coalition

Kidical Mass is changing to Saturdays for the Winter

1st Saturday Park Walks are for All ages

LOCAL INFORMATION

GEARs Bike Rewards Program

Roosevelt Boulevard Construction

Eugene Business Commute Challenge – May 2009!

New Bike Maps Are IN!

UO Launches Bike Loan Program

All City sponsored meetings and workshops listed are open to the public and wheelchair accessible. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, an interpreter or FM assistive listening system can be provided with 48 hours notice prior to the meeting. To arrange for these services for any of the City workshops listed above, please contact City staff at (541) 682-5291.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

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Citizens Seek Input on Collaborative Solutions For West Eugene

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What can people accomplish when they put differences behind them and look for solutions together? A year and a half ago, business, environment, government and community leaders came together to attempt just that. Calling themselves the West Eugene Collaborative, they have taken a fresh look at these longstanding problems and discovered many areas of agreement.

Before developing final recommendations, the West Eugene Collaborative would like to hear from people throughout our community on ideas that we are developing and considering. There are many creative options under discussion: short and long term; small, medium and large in scale; and involving a wide variety of approaches and potential combinations. What solution components resonate with you? Do the proposals reflect a tenable vision for West Eugene and would they address traffic problems?

The public is invited to attend the following public forums:
Veneta City Hall
88184 8th St, Veneta
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7:00- 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Eugene Library
Bascom/Tykeson Room
100 West 10th Ave., Eugene
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7:00- 9:00 p.m.

In advance of specific recommendations, a few things are clear. Traffic problems aren’t limited to just west Eugene but extend along Highway 126 all the way to Veneta and beyond, and all jurisdictions must work together in solving them. We can only be successful at getting major transportation projects approved and funded when they enjoy broad support. Thus it makes sense to continue following the collaborative approach that has aimed to bring different perspectives to the table from the start.

Come join in our next steps towards solving traffic problems in West Eugene and beyond.

If you can’t make it to one of the meetings, please visit the website at: www.orconsensus.pdx.edu/WestEugeneForum.php

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LTD Service Reduction Proposal – Public Involvement

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Have a voice in the 2009 LTD Service Reduction proposals. View the proposals by visiting the LTD website or attend a community meeting to voice your views. Want to stay connected in the process? Sign up for the electronic newsletter from LTD at www.ltd.org.

The next community meetings are scheduled:

Open House - October 1, 6 pm – 8 pm at the Housing Authority Offices on Fairview Drive in Springfield

Public Hearing - October 13, 530 pm at the Eugene Public Library

Public Hearing – November 10, 530 pm at the Eugene Public Library

AREA EVENTS

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National Walk + Bike to School Day!

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Wednesday, October 8th is National Walk + Bike to School Day. There are thousands of schools from around the world and millions of kids who will be walking, biking, skating, and using all sorts of human powered modes to get to school on this national day of celebration with more than 150 schools signed up around Oregon and more than 20 of them are right here in Eugene.

In Eugene this years program is especially exciting as the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program celebrates a renewal of their federally funded grant and starts work on the next phase of their program to encourage and enable more people to walk and bike to school safely. Last year the program received its first funding through the Oregon Department of Transportation and built up the pilot program at Roosevelt Middle School while also developing a vision and specific goals for the Eugene Safe Routes to School Team.

Over the next several years the Team will work together as members of the City, the University, 4J School District, local organizations, and community members to improve the education, encouragement, enforcement, and infrastructure that makes cycling and walking a safe, healthy, and easy choice.

Here are some of the schools signed up for Walk + Bike To School Day this year. If you don't see your school signed up you can still plan to walk with your kids to school, and maybe next year you can help organize the day at your school. If you are not a parent it's still a great day to choose walking and biking since there will be so many kids out on in our community... a sort of Kidical Mass if you will.

4J:

ELEMENTARY: Adams, ATA at Jefferson, Awbrey Park, Bertha Holt, Buena Vista, César E. Chávez, Corridor, Eastside, Edison, Family School, Gilham, Harris, McCornack, Meadowlark, Ridgeline Montessori, Willagillespie, Yujin Gakuen,

MIDDLE: Monroe, Roosevelt

HIGH: Churchill

Bethel:

Fairfield

Other:

University of Oregon, Homesource, MLK Jr. Education Center

If you would like more information on the National Walk + Bike to School Day event or on the Eugene SRTS Program please contact Shane Rhodes at rhodes_sh@4j.lane.edu or at (541) 556-3553. For information on LTD's Smart Ways to School Program contact Lisa VanWinkle at lisa.vanwinkle@ltd.org or at (541) 682-6212 or go to http://www.walknbike.org

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Eugene’s First Prevention Convention

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The Eugene Police Prevention Convention is about empowering people and was created with individuals and families in mind. This event provides the ultimate education in crime prevention for kids, teens and adults including workshops on bike safety, bike theft, and an opportunity to participate in a “blind spot” exercise. The free event is Saturday, October 18, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at South Eugene High School.

There will be 17 break-out style crime prevention workshops for adults and high school students. Teen Extreme, for 5th through 8th graders, is a classroom-style program allowing youth to explore something new - crime lab (EPD’s version of CSI), Internet safety for youths, and the chance to ask officers questions. Kid Zone, for kids from kindergarten through 4th grade, offers a dozen stations for active learning. Each child will get a passport for stamping as they move through the fun and educational stations and become eligible for prizes.

There will be a host of vendors and booths, guest appearances by the UO Women’s Basketball Team members, and exhibitions by Eugene Police special units such as SWAT, the bomb squad and more. Attendees may come and go as they please throughout the day and can bring their own lunch or purchase a box lunch for $3.50 (catered by South Eugene High School.)

This event is brought to the community in partnership with Eugene area radio stations and sponsored by Pacific Cascade Credit Union, Farmers Insurance Group and Jerry’s Home Improvement Center. The Eugene Police Department (EPD) is using a significant number of volunteers to run the event.

Event coordinators surveyed local Spanish speakers about the topics they would be most interested in; as a result there are also three classes offered in Spanish. Those interested in more information or in saving a spot can go online to www.eugeneor.gov/preventionconvention or contact Lisa Barrong at 682-8248 or lisa.r.barrong@ci.eugene.or.us.

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Bicycle Commuter Skills Class – Free

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Have you considered riding your bike to work but not sure how to get started? Bring your lunch and take the Bicycle Commuter Class sponsored by GEARs and the City of Eugene. Two classes are scheduled for October:

Weds, October 1

Public Works – 1820 Roosevelt

Noon – 1 PM

Weds, Oct 15

Eugene Public Library – Tykeson Room

Noon – 1 PM

This class is open to all community members and will cover:

bike laws

appropriate bike gear

safe riding in inclement weather

route planning assistance available!

Come for an opportunity to win door prizes and learn more about bicycling in your community! For more information contact Cindy Clarke: cindy.j.clarke@ci.eugene.or.us or 541-682-5285.

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Tune Up with BikeLane Coalition

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"Tune Up" Free Bike Maintenance & Safety Class Get a handle on bike maintenance and avoid future repairs while learning important safety skills. Join fellow cyclists at noon Wednesday October 15th from 12 to 1 at the Springfield City Hall Library Meeting Room in Downtown Springfield as BikeLane Coalition presents an hour of simple ways to keep your bike running smooth, with tips on how to spot more critical repairs.

A League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor will offer commuting advice with a focus on wet weather riding. No need to bring your bike.

Coffee and light snacks provided. This event is upstairs next to the Library at 225 5th Street, Springfield. No charge.

For more information visit www.bikelanecoalition.org

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Kidical Mass is changing to Saturdays for the Winter!!

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As the darkness comes earlier we'll be moving Kidical Mass to a Saturday ride. Normally it is the third Friday of the month at 6 pm; from October to February we'll be holding it on the third Saturday of the month at 3 pm. In October that falls on Saturday, October 18th. We'll meet at Monroe Park and ride a short distance to another park or fun spot... normally it ends with ice cream... maybe we'll switch to hot chocolate for the winter time! See you out there!

For more information go to www.kidicalmass.org

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1st Saturday Park Walks are for All ages - FREE!

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Eugene Recreation’s Outdoor Program invites you to take a walk in the park with local experts who will help you learn about and appreciate Eugene's natural areas. These leisurely, two-hour walks are a great way for family and friends to enjoy and understand local wild lands.

The walks are held rain or shine from 9-11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month through December. Registration is not required. Scheduled walks are as follows:

October 4, Delta Ponds; meet in the parking lot behind Valley River Center at the downstream end, next to the bike path.

November 1, West Eugene Wetlands; meet where the bike path crosses Terry Street off West 11th.

December 6, Alton Baker Park; Meet at the picnic shelter east of the duck pond

For more information or to register, call 682-5369 or browse www.eugene-or.gov/recenroll

LOCAL INFORMATION

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GEARs Bike Rewards Program

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The GEARs Bike Rewards program aims to encourage bicycling and safe practices and to build support for business that support this endeavor. Participating in the Bike Rewards program is simple. As a participating business, you designate a discount of your choice that you will make available to GEARs members who cycle to your business—you’ll recognize them because they’ll show you the GEARs Bike Rewards sticker on their bike helmets.

As members you’ll be able to identify bike friendly stores, shops and restaurants - then when you ride there, wearing your helmet, you’ll get to take advantage of the special offer a merchant has extended.

Through the Bike Rewards program, we hope to not only encourage GEARs membership, but also to:
* keep money in the local economy
* decrease carbon emissions and improve air quality
* reduce the need for additional oil
* promote healthy exercise and fitness
* decrease the need for paved parking areas
* reduce traffic congestion and wear-and-tear on the roadways
* promote loyalty among your happy bicycling customers
* provide marketing and publicity to help locally-owned businesses thrive

You’ll see the window sticker in a visible location at the entrance to the business. The Bike Rewards program has already signed up 100% of the bike shops in our area, and has been endorsed by the City of Eugene and the Eugene Chamber of Commerce.

Participating Businesses:

All local bike shops

Allann Bros.
$.35 cents off drinks
152 W 5th St. and 2465 Hilyard St.

Barry’s Espresso & Bakery
$.50 cents off coffee drinks
2805 Oak St. and 804 E. 12th St.(at Alder)

Hummingbird Wholesale (organic bulk foods)
5% discount for all arriving by bicycle
254 Lincoln Street phone: 541-686-0921

The Green Store

10% off items made from recycled bike parts

500 Olive St. 541-344-1530

If you have any questions, contact either Richard Hughes at hughes97405@gmail.com or Sue Wolling at bicycle@efn.org

GEARs is a local non-profit organization the supports and promotes safe, legal bicycling through community rides, events, bike safety classes, and community outreach. For more information on how to get involved, go to www.eugenegears.org.

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Roosevelt Boulevard Receiving Asphalt Overlay – Chambers to Seneca

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Paving repairs on a 2.7-mile-long section of Roosevelt Boulevard began September 22. Paving work also is scheduled on Berntzen Road in west Eugene and Bond Lane in north Eugene.

The work will be done in two phases: the first phase, from Chambers Street to Seneca Road, is scheduled to be substantially completed by mid-November; the second phase, from Seneca Road to Beltline Highway, will be done next spring or early summer, as weather permits.

In both phases deteriorated pavement will be removed with roto-milling equipment and then the roadway will be repaved. In sections where pavement has completely failed, the pavement and base rock section will be removed and replaced. This will add many years of life to Roosevelt Boulevard, which is a fully improved city street.

In general, working hours for the project are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Milling and paving between Lassen Street and Seneca Road will be done at night from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Unlike the extensive repairs on Roosevelt Boulevard, the work on Bertnzen Road and Bond Lane will consist mostly of maintenance overlays. Egge Sand & Gravel will apply thin coats of asphalt designed to cover numerous potholes on these unimproved roadways.

For more information on these and other area road projects, visit the City of Eugene’s traffic web site at www.eugene-or.gov/traffic or call the metro roadwork hotline at 984-8484.

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Eugene Business Commute Challenge – May 2009!

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Some of you have asked – Hey, where’s the Business Commute Challenge information and when can we register?!?!

Well, no worries all of you hungry for a good Challenge! We have made some changes to the promotion and moved it to May. We will be offering bicycle education classes at your business location, lots of great prizes, and a whole new software program to help support and motivate you and your coworkers! You will have the opportunity to view your success for the week and view the success of the business you challenge. It’s a great motivator!

Stay tuned… more to come on the Eugene Business Commute Challenge later.

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New Bike Maps Are IN!

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Look for the new Eugene/ Springfield Bike Maps at a bike shop near you early next week!! After many hours spent reviewing and revising, the new maps are finally ready and will be distributed later this week to bike shops, City offices, CVALCO, and the Chamber of Commerce.

New features include additional points of interest located on the maps along with shopping, community centers, bathrooms and more! Stop by and pick one up!

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UO Launches Bike Loan Program

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Thanks to a coalition of students, faculty, staff, university departments, community groups, and $18,000 from the Associated Students of University of Oregon, the Bike Loan Program (BLP) launched in September. The BLP loaned out 27 bikes, and already has a waiting list of 50 students interested in participating in the program.

The BLP is reusing discarded bikes that have been impounded by the university's Department of Public Safety (DPS). Currently DPS has hundreds of bicycles and is having difficulties accommodating the continued arrivals. The program will launch with 33 bicycles, with plans to increase the fleet throughout the year. Students will pay a $65 deposit to loan the bike out for 1-3 terms. The deposit will be refunded when the bike returns in good condition.

The bikes have been fully outfitted with everything a student needs to get their commute on: a basket, lock, helmet, lights, and fenders.

The BLP is also offering educational opportunities. A few years ago, the EMU Outdoor Program (OP) partnered with the EMU Craft Center to offer bicycle maintenance classes, and these classes will continue in addition to other BLP maintenance classes and commuting classes in partnership with GEARs (Greater Eugene Area Riders).

To accommodate more classes, volunteers, and increased use, the Bike Maintenance Shop in the OP Trip Facility received a face-lift this summer. The Bike Maintenance Shop will provide students and with space and tools to work on their bikes for free. The BLP Mechanics will be working in the Bike Maintenance shop, and will be assisting students and Co-op members when available.

The Bike Maintenance Shop will be open:
Monday: 9am – 2pm

Thursday: 12pm – 6pm

Friday: 12pm – 6pm

Saturday: 9am – 12pm

The OP is administering the BLP, and is confident that the program will grow and attract long-term funding. Its aim is to provide the University of Oregon community with access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation. The initiative is an important step to transform campus transportation and meet campus sustainability goals.

To volunteer, donate, or for further information, contact: Briana Orr, Bike Loan Advocate, borr@uoregon.edu., 541.346.4365

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Resources

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GOVERNMENT

www.eugene-or.gov/bicycle the City of Eugene website contains bike maps and resources for biking in Eugene.

www.keepusmoving.info This site is user friendly and contains regional information about the transportation planning process, current projects, and information about transportation options. The site is maintained by the Lane Council of Governments.

Lane Community College is currently offering classes on bicycle maintenance and on marathon training. For a full list of classes go to www.lanecc.edu or visit the community education link HERE.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) website includes links to the Oregon Bicycle Manual and information on laws and regulations and a list of bike travel web resources.

Smart Ways to School (www.swts.ltd.org) offers free services to parents of K-12 students to help them walk, bike, carpool, or ride LTD to school. We offer a SchoolPool, a free carpool-match service. We can help parents find other students to form a walking or bicycling “school bus.” Smart Ways to School also manages the free LTD pass program for students in grades 6-12. Call 682-6212.

The University of Oregon Craft Center frequently offers classes on bicycle maintenance. Go to http://craftcenter.uoregon.edu/#9 for more information.

The U of O Department of Public Safety strongly encourages bicycling as a way of responsible transportation. With Oregon weather, bicycling in winter months can be discouraging and challenging for those that may not have the proper riding gear. You'll find information in this site about the availability of covered parking, safety recommendations, and a listing of local shops where you may purchase adequate gear for the conditions.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) is a statewide organization that works to promote bicycle use and safety and to improve bicycling conditions throughout the state of Oregon. In the Eugene/Springfield area, the BTA's Bicycle Safety program brings safety education to middle schools every year. For more information, go to www.bta4bikes.org .

Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT) is a non-profit organization committed to community involvement in manufacturing, using, and advocating sustainable modes of transportation. The first organization of its kind, the Center was founded in Eugene, Oregon in the fall of 1992. Since that time the CAT has established a number of projects under one roof designed to further this mission including Pedalers Express delivery service, education and youth programs, Oregon Cycling magazine, and more.

Eugene-Springfield Mossback Volkssport Club - Volkssports, literally "popular" or "folk" sports, are organized walking, swimming, bicycling, roller skating, and cross-country skiing events providing exercise that contributes to physical fitness. The Mossback Club usually meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Willamalane Senior Adult Activity Center, 215 West C Street, Springfield. Please call 726-7169 or 747-6470, to verify meeting location. Club events are listed and described at their website, www.mossbacks.org. For more information contact Carmella at mossbacksclub@comcast.net .

GEARS (Greater Eugene Area Riders) invites the community to join club members on several weekly bike rides. Rides vary in location, distance, and terrain. The main purpose of GEARs is to foster bike riding. All cyclists must wear an ANSI or SNEL/ASTM approved helmet. Riders should also carry a water bottle, tire pump, spare tube and patch kit.

Everyone is welcome to attend Eugene GEARs Board Meetings. For more information or times and location go to www.eugenegears.org/

The Eugene Safe Routes to School Program is a community approach to encourage and enable more people to walk and bike to school safely. We support schools and families in their efforts to increase active transportation choices by supporting individual SRTS committees, growing bicycle and pedestrian education for adults and children, and working to establish policies that encourage healthy, fun, and safe transportation choices.

For more information contact Shane Rhodes at rhodes_sh@4j.lane.edu or 541-556-3553

Nordic Walkers: For more information on Nordic Walking classes and lesson costs contact Barbara or Dan Gleason: 345-0450 or 345-3974 or email them at nordicwalkerbg@comcast.net .

BUSINESS PARTNERS:

The Eugene Running Company offers a diverse series of walking and running groups for people of all levels from beginner to the hard-core. All groups and training are lead in a fun and supportive atmosphere. For more information on dates and times go to www.eugenerunningcompany.com

Second Summer Tours is a group led by Rob Templin, a local rider in Eugene. Join Rob and friends as he shares some of the ‘secret’ paths that will challenge you with tough climbs but reward you with deserted, traffic-free riding; and scenery to take your breath away. Tours are based out of Eugene. For more information go to:

http://www.secondsummertours.com/oregon.php

Spirited Walkers Group Joining the Spirited Walkers marathon training group is a wonderful way to start the new year by making commitment to becoming more healthy and active, whether you actually want to walk a marathon or not. Registered walkers meet once a month for a sit down meeting of guest speakers who cover information about yoga for walkers, nutrition, hydration, clothes, shoes, and mental training techniques. There is a large group walking every Sunday. Beginning and intermediate mileage schedules are available. If you are interested, please contact Kay Porter at 342-6875 or email kayporter1@comcast.net , or go to www.thementalathlete.com for more information on times and cost.

Walk With Me! Walk the World with Tyler Burgess, fitness walking instructor and marathon walking coach for the University of Oregon and Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. Tyler walks to see the world, whether it is a big city, foreign country or our own backyard. Free walking tours take place on Tuesday nights from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Meet at the end of High Street by the Campbell Senior Center. It is free, fun, and for beginners. For more information go to www.walk-with-me.com

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