City of Eugene

InMotion November 2010

This November we are thankful for our InMotion readers. We are also so very thankful for
Eugene’s excellent walking and biking infrastructure, especially the new Delta Ponds walking
and biking Bridge!

Stay informed about the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan on the project website:
www.eugenepedbikeplan.org
InMotion is a monthly e-newsletter produced to help communicate with Eugene’s biking and walking enthusiasts.
Each month you will find information about upcoming local events and advocacy opportunities that pertain to all forms
of active transportation. Please feel free to forward this great community resource to anyone you think might enjoy it.

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In this issue:  

MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT
Let’s Talk Transit – November 9
West Eugene EmX Alternatives Analysis Report Available
Recap of October’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Events

FEATURED NEWS 
Building Inspectors Check Out Pedal Power For Large Site
CONFIDENT CYCLING CLASS: Traffic Skills - November 4 & 6

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Delta Ponds Walking and Biking Bridge Update
I-5 Willamette River Bridge Construction Update

AREA EVENTS
City of Eugene - Walking Groups 
Bike riding for Fun and Fitness – Wednesdays
November Rock Climbing Drop-in - Wednesdays
Drop in Kayaking - Thursdays
Cars and Climate Change – November 1
Upcoming Interpreted Park Walks – November 6
Ridgeline Trail System Events
Wetland Wander – November 16
The Citizen Agent of Change Workshop – November 18 
 Turkey Burn – November 27

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.

MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

Let’s Talk Transit – November 9

Reserve Your Seat for this Important Event

Tuesday, November 9
Eugene Hilton
7:30 – 9:30 a.m., Continental breakfast served at 7:00 a.m.
Pre-registration is required!!

This free event brings in the best and brightest minds from near and far. Hear about the
community benefit of transit and projects like bus rapid transit toward creating healthy,
sustainable communities. Seating is limited, so RSVP early!

Speakers include:
• John Inglish, CEO Utah Transit Authority
• Congressman Peter DeFazio
• Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy
• Springfield City Councilor Christine Lundberg
• LTD Board Member Greg Evans

RSVP to Kelly at 541-682-6106 or email us at rsvp@ltd.org

West Eugene EmX Alternatives Analysis Report Available

Lane Transit District and the City have been
eagerly awaiting the release of the alternatives
analysis report for the West Eugene EmX project.
At LTD’s request, the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) has agreed to allow LTD to
release the alternatives analysis report to have an
important community conversation about the
project. FTA will continue to review the document
and the agency’s comments will be incorporated at
a later date.

Some comments have been provided by FTA, and

LTD staff is incorporating them into the document.
The document is scheduled to be released to the
public on Thursday, October 28. The good news is that we will be able to roll up our sleeves, review the
data and begin the discussions leading up to the selection of a locally preferred alternative.

An electronic copy of the report will be available at www.ltd.org (look for the link on that page). Paper
copies can be reviewed at the Eugene Public Library main branch (100 West 10th Avenue), Sheldon
Branch (1566 Coburg Road), Bethel Branch (1990 Echo Hollow Road), Springfield Public Library (225
Fifth Street, Springfield), Eugene City Manager’s Office, LTD Customer Service (Willamette and 11th
Avenue), LTD Administrative Offices (3500 East 17th Avenue, Eugene), Eugene Chamber of Commerce
(1401 Willamette Street), Springfield Chamber of Commerce (101 South A Street, Springfield), and
HACSA Housing Authority of Lane County (177 Day Island Drive, Eugene)

LTD encourages use of the electronic version out of sensitivity for the environment and cost. LTD will,
however, be printing several hundred copies of the report summary document and distributing it widely. A
hard copy or electronic disk of the full 500 + page document is available upon request at cost (currently
estimated at $100 for a hard copy or $10 for a disk).

Because the alternatives analysis report is a sizeable report with a lot of data, several open houses will
be held to answer questions. Here are the dates and times (locations are still being determined):
Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 9,
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Since July, when the alternatives analysis report was submitted to FTA, LTD has continued to meet with
citizens, decision makers, property owners and businesses along each of the alignments. These valuable
conversations have provided LTD with an opportunity to incorporate feedback into mitigation planning that
will help reduce many of the impacts along the proposed corridors. Mitigation plans are expected to be
available within the next two weeks. For more information, contact Transportation Planning Manager Rob
Inerfeld at 541-682-5343 or rob.inerfeld@ci.eugene.or.us.

Recap of October’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Events

October was a busy and exciting month for the Eugene Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. As
a quick update, we held our first public open house on Thursday October 14th at Monroe Middle
School in Eugene. Over 70 Eugene residents attended to learn about the project and provide
feedback on the Existing Conditions Report, review potential new infrastructure design tools,
and to make suggested improvements to Eugene’s existing pedestrian and bicycle network.
We’ll be incorporating feedback from the open house into future network improvements and into
a new pedestrian and bicycle design toolkit.

On October 22nd, the Pedestrian and Bicycle project team held an all-day pedestrian and bicycle
design workshop with various City and agency staff to begin developing a framework for
Eugene’s new Pedestrian and Bicycle Design Toolkit. Over the past several years, a number of
new infrastructure and facility design tools have emerged to address the safety needs of
pedestrians and bicyclists. The purpose of the toolkit is to help the City of Eugene develop
policies and practices around the use of these tools. Several participants of the all-day
workshop stayed in Eugene for the Transportation Remix event held later that evening at the
Oregon Electric Station.

With standing room only, the Transportation Remix event offered an enthusiastic audience a
look at innovative pedestrian and bicycle design tools in use both internationally and nationally.
The panel presentation, moderated by ODOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator Sheila Lyons,
included presentations from Ed Fischer, former ODOT State Traffic Engineer, Jessica Roberts,
Program Manager at Alta Planning and Design, and Hugh Prichard, retired Eugene developer.
The presentations and panel discussion offered a glimpse into the future of communities
enhanced by thoughtful pedestrian and bicycle design.

Over the course of the next two months, the project team and the two project advisory
committees will work on developing recommendations for tools to be included in the toolkit and
recommendations for future network development. The combination of design tools and
infrastructure improvements will continue to move Eugene forward with its legacy of visionary
pedestrian and bicycle design.

To stay up to date on the project and provide feedback, please visit www.eugenepedbikeplan.org.
 FEATURED NEWS

Building Inspectors Check Out Pedal Power For Large Site Inspections

Building Inspector Bob Wentz has a lot of

ground to cover when it comes to inspecting
new construction on the University of
Oregon campus, but his job just got faster
and greener thanks to a new folding bike.

Planning and Development’s Building

Inspection team recently invested in two
folding bikes that can be easily transported
to construction areas. Once inspectors have
parked their vehicle in a central location,
they just unfold the bike and ride to each
inspection site. The bikes not only save the
inspectors time driving from site to site, but
they also support the City’s climate and
energy goals by reducing vehicle miles
traveled and greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, contact Building Inspection Supervisor Kyle

Richardson at 541-682-8338 or kyle.richardson@ci.eugene.or.us.

CONFIDENT CYCLING CLASS: Traffic Skills - November 4 & 6

Nov. 4, 6-9pm and Nov. 6, 8:30am-2:30pm.
This class teaches cyclists the laws, skills and technique, giving riders the confidence they need
to ride safely and legally in traffic and on the trails. The course covers state laws as they pertain
to bike riders, bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques
and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this
fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling and
is a great resource for cyclists from beginning to experienced. This 9 hr. class, endorsed by the
League of American Bicyclists and offered by GEARs, is offered in 2 parts. Register online at
EugeneGears.org. Materials Fee $10.

CONTRUCTION UPDATES

Delta Ponds Walking and Biking Bridge Update

Good News! The contractors are optimistic that they will stay on schedule and have the new
bridge open the 3rd week in November. Now that’s something to be thankful for this
Thanksgiving season.

I-5 Willamette River Bridge Construction Update

Please slow down and use additional caution on the detour paths near the Willamette River
Bridge Project in the Whilamut Natural area. Poor visibility due to increasing darkness and unlit
paths makes the morning and evening commutes more difficult. In addition, rain slicked paths
and sharp turns connecting the detour path greatly increase the chance of an accident. The
number of daily path users along with the construction traffic adds to the congestion that you
need to be aware of and plan for.

Thanks for increased efforts making use of the paths in the construction area a safe experience
for all.

For additional information contact John Lively at (541) 484-7052 or e-mail at john@cawood.com
or check the Willamette River Project blog at willametteriverbridge.blogspot.com.
 
AREA EVENTS

City of Eugene - Walking Groups

Two self-led groups walk weekly. The Walk ‘n’ Talkers walk 3-5 miles at a quick pace every
Friday, 9-11:30 a.m. from Campbell Community Center, 155 High St. The Walk With Us group
walks from Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Rd., every Thursday 9-11 a.m. for
more information call Campbell: 541-682-5318, or Pete Barn: 541-682-5521.

Bike riding for Fun and Fitness – Wednesdays

Senior bike riders depart from Campbell Community Center for in-town rides every Wednesday,
through Dec. 29. Helmets required. Drop in. Free. Call 541-682-5318 for information.

November Rock Climbing Drop-in - Wednesdays

Come to Community Climb Time on the climbing wall at Arts & Technology Academy at
Jefferson, 1650 W. 22nd. Climbers age 4 and up can learn rock climbing basics, practice indoor
climbing and spend quality time as a family. The cost is $5 and includes instruction, equipment
and maintenance. All climbers must be able to fit into a climbing harness. Climbs are every
Wednesdays, through Dec. 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (No climb Nov. 24.) Call 541-682-5329 for
information.

Drop in Kayaking - Thursdays

Every Thursday, 8-10 a.m. at Echo Hollow Pool, for ages 12 and older. Bring your own
equipment; no instruction provided. Call 541-682-5525 for more information. $5.

Cars and Climate Change – November 1

The Oregon Humanities Center and the LiveMove Speaker Series are pleased to bring you:

Cars and Climate Change -

How we can help cut global warming pollution through new fuel efficiency standards.

Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign will be presenting at 3:30pm on Monday,
November 1st in the Knight Library Browsing Room on the University of Oregon campus. The
event is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Interpreted Park Walks – November 6

Eugene Recreation Outdoor Program offers free, First Saturday Park Walks that are led by local
experts who will help you explore and learn about the ecology and management of Eugene’s
parks. On Nov. 6, explore the Fern Ridge Wildlife area. Note: meeting location has changed:
meet inside the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area headquarters at 26969 Cantrell Road. On Dec. 4, walk
Alton Baker Park. Meet by the duck pond, near the bathrooms at the main entrance to the park.
Call 541-682-6358 for more information.

Ridgeline Trail System Events

If you would like to get some exercise, meet new people, and help maintain our wonderful
Ridgeline Trail System here are some great volunteer opportunities to put on your calendar:

Sunday, November 14th

The Disciples of Dirt, a local mountain bike club, is working on the afternoon of Sunday the 14th
on the Headwaters Trail. Please call or email for more information.

Sunday, November 21st

The Blanton Trail Group is meeting at the Blanton Road trailhead on the third Sunday of the
month at 9:00 am and working until noon. Their work is primarily habitat enhancement and they
are still in the invasive species removal phase. Bring loppers if you have them – but they have
extras on hand. Contact Lois Hagen at hagenlm@yahoo.com.

Saturday, November 27th

The Obsidians, a local outdoor club, meet on the last Saturday of the month at the main parking
lot for Spencer Butte off Willamette at 9:00 am. They generally work until noon. In the summer
months they switch to a weekday afternoon after work.

Trail maintenance can mean hauling gravel or posts, digging, chopping, dragging but it always
means getting dirty and/or wet. Habitat enhancement is removing invasive plants or planting
native plants in places that have been disturbed or to obscure unofficial trails.

For all of the projects above, please dress for the weather and for working outdoors. An RSVP
is very helpful. Tools, gloves, materials and instruction provided by Volunteers in Parks.
Contact Lorna Baldwin at 541-682-4845 or lorna.j.baldwin@ci.eugene.or.us.

Wetland Wander – November 16 

9:00am-10:00am 
November 16th 
Meadowlark Prairie 

Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd
Tuesday of every month. WREN will provide binoculars. Meet at Overlook on Greenhill Rd. For
more information call 683-6494 or email info@wewetlands.org  
 
The Citizen Agent of Change Workshop – November 18 
 Join us for an evening of ideas, inspiration and conversation on November 18, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
at EWEB for The Citizen Agent of Change – Making Headway Through Economic Uncertainty
and Political Paralysis.

The Eugene Chapter of the Center for Earth Leadership invites you to a post-election
conversation with Dick Roy, Center Co-Founder of the Earth Leadership Institute in Portland.

During this time of economic and political uncertainty, with headwinds opposing legislation to
create a sustainable culture, the citizen agent of change has an elevated role to play. Within
our circles of influence, we have immense potential to introduce sustainable practices, raise
ecological awareness, and take action to protect the earth without waiting for sweeping
legislation. During our conversation, we will consider how to magnify our collective efforts as
citizen agents of change.

After the conversation, registrations will be taken for two early 2011 events, offered by the
Eugene Chapter without cost, to further expand on the role of change agent. A January
workshop will be held by Jeanne and Dick Roy on the art of local organizing. In late February,
the Center’s training on “How to Be an Agent of Change in Your Circle of Influence.”

While working as an agent of change, the results are often immediate and tangible. Suddenly at
Laurelhurst Elementary in Portland, 21 classrooms had worm boxes with children transfixed by
red wrigglers. At the annual Greek Festival, a crew of 15 recycling experts appeared for the first
time with tell-tale green bandanas. Collectively, these agents are transforming the broader
culture.

The November 18 meeting will be in the Training Room, North Headquarters Bldg., Eugene
Water and Electric Board (EWEB), 500 4th Ave., Eugene. For additional information, contact
Emily Klavins at 503-227-2315 or emily@earthleaders.org.

Turkey Burn – November 27

Burn off those Thanksgiving dinner calories at this water fitness class while you learn about the
benefits of low-impact, high resistance exercise. Nov. 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Echo Hollow (541-
682-5525) and Sheldon (541-682-5314) Pools. Cost is $4.25.

 
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CITY RESOURCES
Report a Pothole Program
It's easy to report a pothole to the Eugene Public Works Maintenance Division! There is even a
handy online pothole reporting form available at www.eugene-or.gov/pothole! The form will ask
for some brief information about the pothole, including its location (if on the path, try to give as
much location info as possible). There's also a place for you to provide your contact
information. If you would prefer, you can call Public Works Maintenance at 541-682-4800
between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and file the report over the phone.

If you'd like to follow up with the City after making a pothole request, just send an email to
pwmaintenance@ci.eugene.or.us with the word "pothole" in the subject line.

(Please remember that Eugene Public Works only repairs potholes on streets/paths in the city of
Eugene. We will make a field inspection of every reported pothole within two business days. In
many cases we will immediately fill the pothole; however, in some cases we may choose to wait
to schedule an alternate treatment such as maintenance overlay. FMI: go to www.eugene‐
or.gov/pothole)

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Water Bottles to Benefit the Jane Higdon Foundation 
Honorary water bottles are being sold, with all proceeds going to help support the Jane Higdon
Memorial Fund. The water bottles are $5.00 and being sold at Newman’s Fish Co. at 1545
Willamette Street, Eugene. Jane was an avid cyclist. She wanted to make a difference in the
world and focused on ways to make her life more meaningful. She was tragically killed in 2006,
when she was struck by a truck while on a bicycle training ride on a beautiful Oregon rural road.
The Memorial Fund supports scholarships and grants to encourage girls and young women to
pursue healthy, active lifestyles and academic excellence. The Memorial Fund also makes
donations to non-profits that advocate and work for bicycling and pedestrian safety in Oregon.
Additional information can be found at: www.janehigdonfoundation.com

Don’t Forget to Purchase Your “Share the Road” License Plates

Oregon residents can help support cycling throughout Oregon by purchasing “Share the Road”
license plates from the Oregon State Department of Motor Vehicles. Proceeds go to the Bicycle 
Transportation Alliance and Cycle Oregon to help fund bicycle education and advocacy.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/platenonprof.shtml#share

GOVERNMENT

Point2Point Solutions promotes and offers transportation options programs to the Lane County
region’s businesses, organizations, and educational institutions for their employees, staff and
students. It is supported by Lane County’s jurisdictions and is housed at Lane Transit District.
http://www.ltd.org/cs/csindex.html

www.eugene-or.gov/bicycles 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.

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.

UO Bike Program now offers bicycle maintenance classes every term. Call 541-346-4365 or
come into the Outdoor Program office in the basement of the EMU to register.

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.
Lane Council of Governments is the Central Lane Metropolitan Planning Organization, the lead
agency for regional transportation planning and distributing federal transportation dollars for the
central Lane County area. It serves as a forum for cooperative transportation decision making
within the region. The website has information about opportunities for public comment, news
and events, meetings, and transportation plans and programs. http://www.thempo.org/

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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 .

BikeLane Coalition is a local non-profit organization that promotes safe cycling in Lane County.
Membership opportunities include the Corporate Membership option: web page for the
company, commuting assistance and route planning; and the Premium Membership option that
includes membership in the League of American Bicyclists, The League Magazine, Bicycle
Magazine, Roadside assistance and the usual benefits of membership such as discounts at
participating bike shops. A discount is offered for those already members of other local cycling
organizations. For more information go to www.bikelanecoalition.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,
Eugene Bicycle Works community bike shop, and more. CAT has also established an
apprenticeship program that focuses on cargo bike frame building. For more information, go to
www.catoregon.org

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

COMMUNITY BIKE BLOGS

www.eugenecycles.com
www.webikeeugene.org
www.eugenebicyclist.org

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BUSINESS PARTNERS:

Walk a Smile In: Step up, step out, step forward! Avid longtime walker/retired nurse walks one-
on-one with clients to support improving personal and planetary fitness. Call or email for details,
charges, appointment. Gift certificates available. Call or email Jenny at 541-343-6049,
walkasmilein@gmail.com.

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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