inmotion 11/10 - city of eugene
TRANSCRIPT
City of Eugene
InMotion November 2010This November we are thankful for our InMotion readers. We are also so ver
E
y thankful for
Stay informed about the Pedestri ter Plan on the project website:
ugene’s excellent walking and biking infrastructure, especially the new Delta Ponds walkingand biking Bridge!
an and B cycle Masi
www.eugenepedbikeplan.org
monthly e-newsletter prod s biking and walking enthusiasts.
The City of Eugene Transportation Planning on Facebook. Become a
this issue:
IGHT
InMotion is a E
uced to help communicate with Eugene’ach 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.
indfan of our page and stay up to date on current activities, events and news.
In
ONTHLY SPOTLM November 9
F If you are not a Facebook user you can simply view our page by clickingthe button to the left. You do not haveto become a Facebook member to view the page.
Let’s Talk Transit – nalysis Report AvailableWest Eugene EmX Alternatives A
entsRecap of October’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Ev
EATUF RED NEWS Building Inspectors Check Out Pedal Power For Large Site CONFIDENT CYCLING CLASS: Traffic Skills - November 4 & 6
ONSTC RUCTION UPDATE
Delta Ponds Walking and Biking Bridge Update I-5 Willamette River Bridge Construction Update
AREA VENTSE
City of Eugene - Walking Groups ednesdaysBike riding for Fun and Fitness – W
sNovember Rock Climbing Drop-in - Wednesday Drop in Kayaking - Thursdays
vember 1Cars and Climate Change – No Upcoming Interpreted Park Walks – November 6 Ridgeline Trail System Events
6Wetland Wander – November 1 The Citizen Agent of Change Workshop – November 18
Turkey Burn – November 27
ll City sponsored meetings and workshops listed are open to the public and wheelchair
hese
ONTHLY SPOTLIGHT
et’s Talk Transit – November 9
Aaccessible. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, an interpreter or FM assistivelistening system can be provided with 48 hours notice prior to the meeting. To arrange for tservices for any of the City workshops listed above, please contact City staff at (541) 682-5291. M L
tant Event
uesday, November 9
., Continental breakfast served at 7:00 a.m.
his free event brings in the best and brightest minds from near and far. Hear about the
peakers include: , CEO Utah Transit Authority
hristine Lundberg
SVP to Kelly at 541-682-6106 or email us at [email protected]
Reserve Your Seat for this Impor TEugene Hilton 7:30 – 9:30 a.mPre-registration is required!! Tcommunity benefit of transit and projects like bus rapid transit toward creating healthy, sustainable communities. Seating is limited, so RSVP early! S
• John Inglish• Congressman Peter DeFazio • Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy • Springfield City Councilor C• LTD Board Member Greg Evans
R
est Eugene EmX Alternatives Analysis Report Available W
s t.
ow LTD to
ent
ome comments have been provided by FTA, and
that we will be able to roll up our sleeves, review the
n electronic copy of the report will be available at www.ltd.org
Lane Transit District and the City have been eagerly awaiting the release of the alternativeanalysis report for the West Eugene EmX projecAt LTD’s request, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has agreed to allrelease the alternatives analysis report to have animportant community conversation about the project. FTA will continue to review the documand the agency’s comments will be incorporated ata later date. SLTD staff is incorporating them into the document. The document is scheduled to be released to the public on Thursday, October 28. The good news isdata and begin the discussions leading up to the selection of a locally preferred alternative. A (look for the link on that page). Paper
ce
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 (225Fifth 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 Commer
(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,
A
ecause the alternatives analysis report is a sizeable report with a lot of data, several open houses will
. 9,
ince July, when the alternatives analysis report was submitted to FTA, LTD has continued to meet with
b
however, be printing several hundred copies of the report summary document and distributing it widely.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). Bbe 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, Novfrom 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Scitizens, decision makers, property owners and businesses along each of the alignments. These valuableconversations 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 RoInerfeld at 541-682-5343 or [email protected]. Recap of October’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Events
n and Bicycle Master Plan. As
to
n October 22nd, the Pedestrian and Bicycle project team held an all-day pedestrian and bicycle
ber of
p
t the
ith standing room only, the Transportation Remix event offered an enthusiastic audience a .
ver the course of the next two months, the project team and the two project advisory
ary
o stay up to date on the project and provide feedback, please visit www.eugenepedbikeplan.org
October was a busy and exciting month for the Eugene Pedestriaa 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 ina new pedestrian and bicycle design toolkit. Odesign 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 numnew 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 developolicies 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 aOregon Electric Station. Wlook at innovative pedestrian and bicycle design tools in use both internationally and nationallyThe 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. Ocommittees 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 visionpedestrian and bicycle design. T .
FEATURED NEWS
Building Inspectors Check Out Pedal Power For Large Site Inspections
Building Inspector Bob Wentz has a lot of g
ster
d Development’s Building o
d
he
g Inspection Supervisor Kyle
CONFIDENT CYCLING CLASS: Traffic Skills - November 4 & 6
ground to cover when it comes to inspectinnew construction on the University of Oregon campus, but his job just got faand greener thanks to a new folding bike. Planning anInspection team recently invested in twfolding bikes that can be easily transporteto construction areas. Once inspectors haveparked their vehicle in a central location, they just unfold the bike and ride to each inspection site. The bikes not only save tinspectors 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 BuildinRichardson at 541-682-8338 or [email protected].
d technique, giving riders the confidence they need
ONTRUCTION UPDATES
elta Ponds Walking and Biking Bridge Update
Nov. 4, 6-9pm and Nov. 6, 8:30am-2:30pm. This class teaches cyclists the laws, skills anto 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. C D
they will stay on schedule and have the new
5 Willamette River Bridge Construction Update
Good News! The contractors are optimistic that bridge open the 3rd week in November. Now that’s something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season. I-
e detour paths near the Willamette River nlit
Please slow down and use additional caution on thBridge Project in the Whilamut Natural area. Poor visibility due to increasing darkness and upaths 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
or additional information contact John Lively at (541) 484-7052 or e-mail at [email protected]
for all. F
REA EVENTS
ity of Eugene - Walking Groups
or check the Willamette River Project blog at willametteriverbridge.blogspot.com. A C
he Walk ‘n’ Talkers walk 3-5 miles at a quick pace every p
ike riding for Fun and Fitness – Wednesdays
Two self-led groups walk weekly. TFriday, 9-11:30 a.m. from Campbell Community Center, 155 High St. The Walk With Us grouwalks 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. B
nity Center for in-town rides every Wednesday,
ovember Rock Climbing Drop-in - Wednesdays
Senior bike riders depart from Campbell Commuthrough Dec. 29. Helmets required. Drop in. Free. Call 541-682-5318 for information. N
all at Arts & Technology Academy at indoor
rop in Kayaking - Thursdays
Come to Community Climb Time on the climbing wJefferson, 1650 W. 22nd. Climbers age 4 and up can learn rock climbing basics, practice 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. D
cho Hollow Pool, for ages 12 and older. Bring your own
ars and Climate Change – November 1
Every Thursday, 8-10 a.m. at Eequipment; no instruction provided. Call 541-682-5525 for more information. $5. C
veMove Speaker Series are pleased to bring you:
Cars and Climate Change - arming pollution through new fuel efficiency standards.
Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign will be presenting at 3:30pm on Monday,
pcoming Interpreted Park Walks – November 6
The Oregon Humanities Center and the Li
How we can help cut global w
November 1st in the Knight Library Browsing Room on the University of Oregon campus. The event is free and open to the public. U
ay Park Walks that are led by local
lk
idgeline Trail System Events
Eugene Recreation Outdoor Program offers free, First Saturdexperts 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, waAlton Baker Park. Meet by the duck pond, near the bathrooms at the main entrance to the park. Call 541-682-6358 for more information. R
If you would like to get some exercise, meet new people, and help maintain our wonderful :
unday, November 14th al mountain bike club, is working on the afternoon of Sunday the 14th
unday, November 21st meeting at the Blanton Road trailhead on the third Sunday of the
ey
Ridgeline Trail System here are some great volunteer opportunities to put on your calendar SThe Disciples of Dirt, a locon the Headwaters Trail. Please call or email for more information. SThe Blanton Trail Group ismonth at 9:00 am and working until noon. Their work is primarily habitat enhancement and thare still in the invasive species removal phase. Bring loppers if you have them – but they have extras on hand. Contact Lois Hagen at [email protected]. Saturday, November 27th
oor club, meet on the last Saturday of the month at the main parking
rail maintenance can mean hauling gravel or posts, digging, chopping, dragging but it always
or all of the projects above, please dress for the weather and for working outdoors. An RSVP
etland Wander – November 16
The Obsidians, a local outdlot 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. Tmeans 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. Fis very helpful. Tools, gloves, materials and instruction provided by Volunteers in Parks. Contact Lorna Baldwin at 541-682-4845 or [email protected]. W
irie
etland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd or
9:00am-10:00am November 16th Meadowlark Pra WTuesday of every month. WREN will provide binoculars. Meet at Overlook on Greenhill Rd. Fmore information call 683-6494 or email [email protected] The Citizen Agent of Change Workshop – November 18
tion on November 18, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
he Eugene Chapter of the Center for Earth Leadership invites you to a post-election rtland.
uring this time of economic and political uncertainty, with headwinds opposing legislation to
ts as
fter the conversation, registrations will be taken for two early 2011 events, offered by the
Join us for an evening of ideas, inspiration and conversaat EWEB for The Citizen Agent of Change – Making Headway Through Economic Uncertainty and Political Paralysis. Tconversation with Dick Roy, Center Co-Founder of the Earth Leadership Institute in Po Dcreate 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 efforcitizen agents of change. AEugene 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 [email protected]. 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. (TOP) 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 [email protected] 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) (TOP) 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/ (TOP) 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 [email protected] . 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] COMMUNITY BIKE BLOGS www.eugenecycles.com www.webikeeugene.org www.eugenebicyclist.org (TOP) 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, [email protected]. 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 [email protected] , 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 (TOP)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This message has been sent by the Transportation Options Team to the individuals and organizations listed in our database who have requested information about transportation activities and options in Eugene, OR. Transportation Options is part of the City of Eugene Public Works Engineering. Our offices are located at 99 E. Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401. If you do not wish to receive these messages in the future please email [email protected] . Thank you and our apologies if you received this message in error.