Bicycle & Pedestrian Counts

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Bicyclists and Pedestrians: As you know, our community is making a great effort to help Eugene become a more walkable and bikeable city. We need your help to count bicyclists and pedestrians along our paths and a few high bike use streets. We haven't counted bicyclists and pedestrians for several years and your help is critical in evaluating our existing use and measuring the progress we make as we implement the Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Plan.

We are looking for people to do weekday AM or PM commute counts on either June 3rd or June 4th. Weekday AM counts are from 7 - 9 AM and PM counts are from 4 - 6 PM. We will also do bike and pedestrian counts on Saturday June 21st from 12 - 2 PM.

If you are interested in doing a count(s), please contact Lee Shoemaker at 682-5471 or at lee.shoemaker@ci.eugene.or.us for more details. There will be a short training to go over the count forms and general instructions that will take 15 to 30 minutes.

Training times at our office at 858 Pearl Street:

·Thursday, May 29 between 5:30 - 6:30 PM

·Friday, May 30 between 4 - 5 PM

·Monday, June 2nd from 12 - 1 PM and 5 - 6 PM

·Appointments are also available if none of the above times work with your schedule. Call 682-5471 to schedule.

Counting bicyclists and pedestrians is a great way to help out with the city’s overall effort to make Eugene a great city for walking and biking with a small time commitment -- and you even get to be outside!

AREA EVENTS/INFORMATION

Moving Forward Together – Register Online

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Register today to attend Moving Forward Together: Expanding housing, economic and transportation choices, a conference to discuss the future of our community.

In Lane County we face many challenges: How will we address the need for new housing and increasing demands on our transportation system while preserving those qualities that make Lane County special? How can we maintain—or create—livable neighborhoods while growing economically? How will we respond to the twin threats of rising oil prices and climate change? What is the role of realtors in addressing these challenges?

Be part of the ongoing discussion on June 11th as national, state, and local experts offer ideas for how Lane County can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Online registration for the June 11 conference in Eugene is now available:
www.movingforwardtogether.net/register/

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Center for Appropriate Transport to Hold Open House

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Most people who visit the Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT) are coming to use the bike shop, Eugene Bicycle Works. What many of them don't know is that CAT also operates a number of other bike-related business projects such as Pedalers Express, Eugene Rack Works, Oregon Cycling Magazine and Human Powered Machines. These businesses and other projects of CAT will be on display at CAT's Open House on Friday, June 13 from 3:30-6:30 PM. CAT is located at 455 W 1st Ave in Eugene.

Students from CAT's Alternative Education program will be on hand to explain things and answer questions, and the public will be invited to walk around and see how CAT operates. This event will be a good introduction to CAT for neighbors, local business owners and their employees, City staff and anyone who wants to know more about CAT's programs. For old friends, former students, and others it will be a chance to see how CAT has grown and changed over the years.

Refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome to attend!

For more information contact Karl at cat@catoregon.org .

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Prevent Theft – Event to Register Your Bike!

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Ride over to the Greenway Bridge near Valley River Center on Saturday, May 31 and register your bike! A registered bike is a deterrent against theft and also will make your bike easier to recover should it be stolen. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and lasts until 1:30 p.m. Members of the Eugene Police Department Crime Prevention Team will be on hand along with members of GEARs, the Greater Eugene Area Riders. GEARs will be offering free bike bells and information on riding in Eugene.

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Combat Hunger with a Spring Roll

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Don't miss the Spring Roll this Saturday (May 31) at 3 p.m., starting from Red Barn, 357 Van Buren Street. This is a Bike Scavenger Ride to benefit Food for Lane County.

Pick up a shopping list of 10 specific items needed by Food For Lane County and compete to find these 10 items at 10 different stores of your choosing and bring them to the finish point. The grocery stores are your checkpoints and the receipts are your signatures. There's no entry fee, but you have to purchase the items yourselves and have to carry them back. You can race to get back first or take your time and enjoy the ride. At the finish line, there will be a celebration with race prizes and you can purchase the beverage of your choice at Sam Bond's Garage. All of donations will be delivered to the Food for Lane County food bank to benefit those in need in our community.

For more info, see the GEARs web site (www.eugenegears.org) or contact Susan Stumpf at stumpf_s@yahoo.com

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Walkin’ and Rolling through the Wetlands

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What's that bird over there? Do dragonflies bite? What plants out here are edible? What does otter scat look like? How "clean" is Amazon Creek? What are some of the worst weeds in the wetlands? The answers to these questions, and so many more, can be answered during the 2nd Annual Walkin' and Rollin' Through the Wetlands this Saturday!

A dozen local organizations along the way will have educational displays to showcase the wonders of wetlands including wildlife, plants, and restoration projects along the Fern Ridge Path between Beltline and Greenhill Road from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. At the booths along the path, wetland "tourists" on bike or foot can get their 2008 passports stamped for a chance to win raffle prizes from local businesses and wetland partners. Also, Elmira Automotive and Euphoria Chocolate Company will be out along the path near their businesses with treats. We hope to see you out on the path enjoying the beautiful spring weather on the final day of American Wetlands Month 2008! Meet at the Wetlands Office at 751 S. Danebo Ave for this walk, too.

For more information call 683-6494 or email hmcrae@wewetlands.org.

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Bike Drivers Education Classes

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The City of Eugene is partnering with GEARs (Greater Eugene Area Riders) and the League of American Bicyclists to offer classes for beginner to intermediate level cyclists that teach effective and safe cycling skills. These courses are a great opportunity for people of all skill levels to become better and safer bicyclists. For the novices or those who haven’t been on a bike for years, don’t be intimidated; you will learn at your own pace and will be prepared for anything you might encounter on the roads and paths. For the intermediate cyclists; there is always more to learn and the courses provide a great opportunity to refresh your road knowledge and skills.

“A bicycle is a vehicle under the law. Cyclists need to know how to ride safely and responsibly as a vehicle using the same system of streets as motorized vehicles” says Shane Rhodes, a certified instructor from the League of American Bicyclists and Safe Routes to School Program Manager.

The classes follow the curriculum of the League of American Bicyclists and include training on how to ride safely and legally in traffic or on paths. Skills like emergency safety maneuvers to avoid crashes, traffic skills, and the laws governing bicycle riding are covered along with commute planning and basic bike mechanics. Register at www.eugenegears.org .

Bike Skills I – June 12 or 20

This 3-hour class is recommended for bicyclists over age 16 and of all skill levels. It offers training needed to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. Bicycle safety checks, laws pertaining to bicyclists, and techniques for avoiding crashes are part of this curriculum. Take before Street Skills II for a complete Road One certification course. Campbell Community Center.

Bike Skills II – June 21

This 6-hour class follows up on Street Skills I (required) with on-bike skills, crash avoidance techniques, basic bicycle mechanics and important traffic skills. After completion of both classes riders will have the League of American Bicyclists Road One certification. Campbell Community Center

Commuter Skills – July 15

This class is for adult cyclists who wish to explore the possibility of commuting to work or school by bike. This three hour course covers topics including route selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflection, and foul weather riding. Lyle Room, Public Works Building, 858 Pearl Street.

Kids I – July 19

This class is designed for parents and young children grades K-3. Instructors explain how to teach a child to ride a bike, including a bicycle safety check, helmet fitting and bike sizing. Price is for one child and one parent. River House 301 N Adams St.

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4th Annual Bike Day at the Science Factory

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The Eugene/Springfield area is known for being a bike friendly community, and for the 4th consecutive year, we're celebrating all things biking at "Bike Day," on June 7 from 9am-4pm held on the Science Factory and BMX grounds near Autzen Stadium. The event is free.

Regardless of skill level, there’ll be plenty for everyone at Bike Day. Participants can get their bike ready for summer with a bike safety check, blast out of the BMX gate and take spin on the track, learn how to draft from the Poplollies racing team, enjoy a bike blender smoothie, see Portland's own synchronized bike dancing troupe, join the bike parade and learn all the rules in the bike safety rodeo. The Eugene Police Department will be there to register bikes from 10 AM – 2 PM. While not required, registration is a way to recover your bike should it be stolen.

Bike Day brings together a broad range of groups, including the Girl and Boy Scouts, the City of Eugene, LTD, Northwest Community Credit Union, Market of Choice, REI, Safe Routes to School, Burley, and the Science Factory. Mayor Kitty Piercy will give a "Bold Steps Toward Sustainability" Award and Senator Floyd Prozanski will also talk sustainability.

Food will be served throughout the day, starting with a pancake fundraiser for the Boy Scouts and continuing with free Ben and Jerry's ice cream (starting at noon) and food vendors. There will be live music throughout the day on the Bike Day stage and a free raffle that includes a Burley trailer and REI gear.

Bike Day starts with bike rides for all skill levels departing the Science Factory parking lot at 9am. Booths and activities start at 10am and continue until 4pm.

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It’s How We Get There That Matters—A Citizen's Guide to Transportation Planning

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Check out this colorful new brochure about regional transportation planning!

The Citizen Advisory Committee for the Central Lane Metropolitan Planning Organization designed this guide for folks who may not be familiar with the world of transportation planning. Original artwork by local student Michelle Yockelson and by local artist Susan Applegate along with historic photos help bring planning concepts to life and instill them with the unique qualities of the region.

To view the guide online, visit this website: http://www.thempo.org (don’t be shy, scroll down a bit). Copies of the guide are available free of charge. We’d be glad to provide copies for you or your organization to distribute to the public, members of organizations, at public information counters, or to hand out at community events. Please contact Lane Council of Governments, 541-682-4283 or mpo@lcog.org for copies.

PUBLIC MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS

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Bailey Hill Road Safety Improvements Workshop

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Are you interested in seeing a safer environment for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists on Bailey Hill Road in west Eugene? If so, we’d like to hear from you at the next community workshop scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Churchill High School. Your voice is critical for the success of this project.

On the evening of Wednesday, May 7, neighborhood residents, project stakeholders and City staff from a variety of departments participated in a walking tour of the Bailey Hill Road project site. The tour provided participants with a first-hand look at opportunities and challenges for various options, including a possible reconfiguration of the four-lane undivided roadway to a two-lane roadway with a center turn lane. One of the notable outcomes of the walking tour was the ability for participants to experience the site from the perspective of a pedestrian.

Immediately preceding the walking tour, City staff gave a presentation recapping the first workshop held in April and outlining the process goals and desired outcomes. The primary goal of the process is to gauge community support for design alternatives between 18th Avenue and Warren Street that increase the safety for all road users while also ensuring that existing and future traffic volumes are accommodated. City staff will present a preliminary concept design that takes into account feedback received to date at a final community forum on Wednesday, June 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Churchill High School Library, 1850 Bailey Hill Road. Additional information is available at www.eugene-or.gov/pwprojects, or by calling David Roth, Associate Transportation Planner at 682-5727, or through email at david.f.roth@ci.eugene.or.us.

GUEST COLUMN

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Spokey Gets a Checkup

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There’s nothing worse than taking a pet to the vet, especially when they know what’s coming and display a sudden and remarkable ability for clinging to door jambs or your favorite Oriental rug that you brought back from your trip to Istanbul. The most determined animal will even find a way to adhere to a flat sheet of Formica, given the prospect of a thermometer heading towards them.

And so it was recently with Spokey, who, when confronted with his annual maintenance visit to the bike shop, managed to spring a leak in his back tire just to avoid the ride in. (Now, while he’s not technically a pet, my cycling companion nonetheless affects the similarities of a hyperactive, 40-pound border collie: the need for regular outings, a constant demand for attention, and a talent for ruining a perfectly good pair of pants on a rainy day.)

“I can’t believe you waited until the morning of our appointment to get a flat,” I scolded him. “Don’t you think you have enough going on right now,” I asked, referring to his warped rear rim, broken front spoke, worn brake pads, and badly out-of-tune gear system.

“Excuse me, but I only go where you steer me. And yesterday, on the way home from work, you’re the one who gracefully glided over broken glass in the bike lane,” he said with an air of indifference and without a hint of responsibility.

“But that back tire of yours is Kevlar reinforced. I find it awfully coincidental that it’s been fine for the past year, and suddenly goes flat on the eve of your checkup.”

“My back tire happens to be taking the full brunt of your big butt. You should feel lucky it doesn’t go flat every day.”

Just what I needed, a back-talking bike with attitude.

“You realize this means a back tire-ectomy and a ride in the back of my Jeep.” I watched as his expression of “Uh-oh, what have I gotten myself into” quickly dissolved to one of “Woo hoo! Road trip!”

With a partially disassembled Spokey in the trunk, we made our way to Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life. I’d like to mention that the guys over at Paul’s are very good at what they do. They are very knowledgeable about all things bike related and they have a great customer service attitude. It was our first visit to Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life because Spokey’s fastidious behavior and his somewhat vocal reviews prevented us from returning to our former bicycle repair shop. I was hoping our reputation hadn’t preceded us.

I parked and, in the process of pulling Spokey out and prepping him for his visit, something else went sideways. In addition to the flat tire trick he pulled earlier, he had now developed a limp in one of his pedals. I noticed a cracking sound as I grabbed the right pedal, as if some bearings were loose.

“I can’t believe this! Do you really think this is going to get you out of your checkup? We’re already here, for crying out loud. Now, this is just one more thing to fix.” Spokey remained grimly silent.

Once inside, I ran down the list of maladies with Mitch the Mechanic, as Spokey scowled at the attention he was receiving. He resisted in every possible way as Mitch poked and prodded him from stem to stern. After we agreed on the work to be done, and after I reassured both Mitch and Spokey that everything would be alright, I headed for the door. That’s when a row of sparkling new commuter bikes caught my eye.

I paused to marvel at the ergonomically correct handlebars and seats. I inquired about the models with automatic gear shifters and chain guards. I hoisted a few to feel the incredibly lightweight engineering. For good measure, I commented to one of the Paul’s guys about how the new bikes these days sport so many new features, and, my goodness, they’re so affordable, too!

Of course, all of this was well within eyesight and earshot of you-know-who.

Later that afternoon, I got the call to come pick him up. I walked into Paul’s and there was Spokey with a brand new back tire, repaired rim and spokes, new shifter cables, new brake pads, repaired stem hardware, and a cute new set of pedals. He had been cleaned from head to tread and looked like he was ready for a wedding.

Apparently, all had gone quite well. Spokey had behaved like a true gentleman. He got along with the technicians and the other bikes. And the bill was even less than originally estimated (thanks, Paul’s). That’s when I realized that both checkups, the one by Mitch and the one by me, had been truly successful.

“You know, Spokey” I said the next morning as we were riding to work, “there may be newer, shinier, spiffier bikes out there, but nothing beats the comfort of an old friend.”

The pedaling suddenly seemed easier and the road smoother after that. And it has been ever since.

Kevin Lamb works for PeaceHealth as the Senior Marketing Communications Project Specialist. Kevin can be reached at kevinmlamb@comcast.net

Editors Note: Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life is one of several great bike shops in our area. All provide great service and quality bikes and bicycling gear.cjc

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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 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.